AN OXFORD medical team aiming to save the NHS millions in dealing with mental illness has been shortlisted for the 2017 British Medical Journal (BMJ) awards.

Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust’s Early Intervention in Psychosis team shares best practice and training for staff whose patients have suffered psychotic episodes.

The trust runs mental health services across Oxfordshire including the Warneford hospital in Oxford.

Before its intervention just eight out of 16 NHS mental health trusts in the South of England were meeting the national target for treating patients with a first episode of psychosis within 14 days. Now all 16 trusts are on-target.

Psychosis can involve hallucinations, hearing voices, or delusions.

The team has worked intensively with young people having their first episode as well as their parents, offering therapy and support.

Earlier this year a study led by team leader Dr Belinda Lennox found that early intervention teams saved the NHS £4,031 each year for each person treated.

Dr Lennox, a researcher at Oxford University, said: “People in early intervention services spend less time in hospital and are more likely to be employed and in stable housing. This is good news for them, good news for society, and it also saves the NHS money.

“We’re really thrilled that the efforts of everybody in our team have been recognised by the BMJ awards.”

Dubbed the ‘Medical Oscars’, the BMJ awards attracted 290 entries this year and recognise ‘pioneering’ work which makes a difference to patients’ lives.

Winners will be announced in London in May.