Agenda item

Report of the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board

The Committee received a report on Adult Community Mental Health Transformation (CMHT) in Gateshead. The programme is run by the NHS and is aimed at developing a coordinated offer based upon the Primary Care Network (PCN) footprint. Building on local capacity in terms of community provision, led by experts. The CMHT approach is to increase communication and information sharing between partners and create a skilled local workforce in both clinical and non-clinical services.  Work of CMHT is also closely aligned to Gateshead’s Health and Wellbeing Strategy.

It was reported that a review of the mental health workforce was undertaken at a PCN level. This has led to the expansion of the workforce as GP’s were facing difficulties getting mental health issues addressed.  There are now approximately 32 new roles in the PCN areas with the introduction of Mental Health Practitioners, Peer Support Workers and Health and Wellbeing Coaches.  In addition, work on a virtual hub has taken place as part of new locality working and the development of Family Hubs.

It was noted that a workforce network for Health and Social Care staff has been established to improve understanding of different roles across Gateshead and encourage more partnership working. It was acknowledged that there had previously been a gap in terms of communications between the workforce, however the network is now meeting in person on a quarterly basis to discuss roles.

A review of mental health residential care was carried out to understand pathways and reduce the need for secondary care services.  A Task and Finish Group has been established with partners such as Police, NEAS and 111 service, to address the need to make sure there is a quicker response to prevent hospital admissions. This could cover a number of issues, for example housing, debt crisis.  Committee was advised that a crisis bed pilot for men has up to now resulted in the avoidance of 13 hospital admissions.  This pilot will be reviewed and expanded if necessary.

Joint work has been carried out with the Voluntary and Community Sector and Neighbourhood Teams to ensure there are better non-clinical settings, such as Family Hubs. This is to allow better access to places and spaces sooner, although there are still challenges in terms of IT in relation to this.

It was reported that future focus includes further development of Family Hubs at a neighbourhood level and also more work on crisis provision. In terms of crisis provision, work is underway to look at a four-bed female crisis house.  There will also be a continued focus on building capacity around complex needs as well as a focus on estates and information sharing.

It was questioned as to how referrals are made into the male crisis house. It was confirmed that the CNTW Crisis Team would refer if it was agreed that hospital admission was not required and the Team would offer support there. The individual would be required to have a place of residence which they could return to and typically a stay at the house would be for four weeks, although this can sometimes be shorter as there is intervention and robust support in place.  Committee was advised that this is a pilot scheme and from this there will be a better understanding of what works and what needs purpose built.

In terms of funding for the Voluntary and Community Sector, it was queried as to how Councillors would know how to access that. It was confirmed that information on the funding went to all local providers, and through the ICBs events in the locality that were held.

The point was made that other organisations could carry out social prescribing but that money does not always follow referrals, therefore it was questioned whether there has been any work around self-directing support.  It was confirmed that in terms of access, each PCN area now has Social Prescribers so everyone should be able to access that. There is also a lot of work ongoing to join up teams locally to enable people to understand what they have in their communities.

Committee raised the point that in relation to Direct Payments, not everyone is digitally connected and these people cannot be excluded.  It was noted that this is where the Hub work comes in, the aim of the Hubs is to support these people. It was also noted that although there is a lot of emphasis on resources there is a need to change the culture to ensure people are not being passed around, where everybody takes joint responsibility in making sure people have the right information.  It was confirmed that a Digital Inclusion Programme Manager is now in place and there is a committed group of staff across Gateshead, the ICB and technology organisations who are focused on ensuring access to services for all. The ICB Digital Inclusion Strategy Group provides an opportunity to influence at a regional level and share good practice.  There is also increased focus on health literacy to ensure people do not fall at the first hurdle.  It was also confirmed that there is a desire to increase take-up of Direct Payments and this is included in Departmental priorities, this will be reported on in the next year.

It was questioned as to how the decision was made that the crisis house was for males. It was confirmed that this was as a result of data from the Crisis Team, however now there are a lot of younger females coming through so the pilot has been extended.

RESOLVED    -           That the Committee noted the contents of the report.