Agenda item

Report of the Executive Director of Nursing, Patient Safety and Quality

The Committee received a progress update report on the Children and Young People Local Transformation Plan and the implementation of the new CAMHS model. It was noted that CAMHS is one strand of the overall transformation plan.

It was reported that the listening phase was carried out in terms of what service users want. From that it was clear that children and families using the CAMHS service wanted; easy access, varied venues within the community as well as multi-media access to the service.

Work is underway with the current providers as if it were a new procurement, the service specification is being developed, using understandable language.  The single point of access went live for schools only in December as there is a phased approach. The single point of access is operated by call handlers who are supported by clinicians.  The next phase will be the single point of access for GP referrals, this will be rolled out in March. From April self-referrals will be made through the single point, this is for children and families. A multi-media access approach will be rolled out thereafter as currently access is through telephone and email only.

A protocol is being developed to offer a pathway for special groups, such as LAC, YOT and young people with substance misuse problems or young people from families with substance misuse.

It was noted that providers continue to meet once per month. It is hoped that the new model will be more responsive than previously and work is underway to clear the backlog and reduce the waiting list.  Initial feedback has been positive, however no formal review or evaluation has yet taken place.

It was questioned what the figures were for the current backlog. It was confirmed that this figure changes week on week, however this information can be provided for the next update, as well as waiting times. It was confirmed that each contact is needs assessed, therefore some people will be seen within a few days, this is clinically led so some people may have to wait. It was acknowledged that waiting times are unacceptable at previous levels. It was noted that for those vulnerable groups of young people there is no guarantee of an early appointment as it depends on need.

It was confirmed that the first evaluation will be carried out after 6 months into the new contract arrangements and it was agreed that after the first year Committee could be updated on progress.

It was explained that the first call handler will take demographic information from the caller and, based on the content of the conversation, either immediately refer or triaged and given appointment. Any urgent need is dealt with as soon as possible. The point was made that the service would not necessarily share information with schools because the information is confidential, however work is ongoing to ensure schools are engaged in the service.  It was also confirmed that 43 schools are due to attend training events, this is a joint venture with the CCG and will be mental health and school specific.  Committee was advised that since December 50 phone calls have been taken from schools, it is anticipated that this number will increase as during that time the schools were closed over the Christmas period.

The point was made that the backlog remains big and with professionals still under pressure in terms of workload how do they cope. It was noted that that is why the service is trying to be more responsive and robust and get young people into the service early in order to prevent more complex issues escalating. It was acknowledged that the current model means people remain on the waiting list until their mental health deteriorates further, which is something the new model will attempt to avoid.

RESOLVED    -           (i)         That the Committee noted the update report on

implementation of the new CAMHS model.

                                    (ii)        That the Committee supported the Mental Health

Governance Structure.

                                    (iii)       That the Committee agreed to received further updates

throughout the phased implementation of the CAMHS transformation programme, including case studies and statistics around backlog and waiting times.

                                    (iv)       That the Committee agreed the refreshed Children and

Young People Mental Health, Emotional Wellbeing and Resilience plan and implementation group.