Agenda item

Catherine Richardson provided an introduction to the Children and Young People Mental Health Local Transformation Plan. The Board then received a presentation providing further detail of the plan and progress on the implementation of new Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service CAMHS model. A copy of the presentation is to be circulated to members of the Board following the meeting. It was noted that estimates suggest that just under 1 in 10 children aged 5 to 16 will have some form of poor mental health, with the prevalence increasing with age.

An overview of hospital admissions for mental health conditions and self-harm was provided highlighting that there are a small number of children aged 0-17 with mental health conditions severe enough to be admitted to hospital. It was further noted that currently the number of admissions per year stands at around 42. From the presentation it was reported that in recent years, on average around 147 young people aged 10-24 have had an emergency hospital admission for self-harm for each year. It was also reported that compared to England, Gateshead’s emergency admissions are significantly higher and have been consistently so over recent years.

The presentation highlighted the proposed single point of access for advice and treatment – a key component of the new whole system CAMHS model for Gateshead. Further information was also provided to the Board on local initiatives in addition to key points from the Local Transformation Plan. In explaining the next steps for the plan an overview of ‘Kooth’ was provided noting this is to be an 18 month pilot for an online counselling and emotional wellbeing service.

A question around waiting times was raised noting that some patients are waiting a long time following their initial referral for treatment. It was noted that the service are working towards a maximum waiting time of 18 weeks.

It was said that the workforce needs to be adaptable to the changing needs of children referred. It was also said that the long wait times for those requiring autism assessments is being looked at to make this more timely. It was noted that a recent unannounced CQC inspection came back with positive feedback for the service.

A concern was raised that the wait time of up to 18 weeks is too long but it was said that not all patients will wait this maximum time to be seen. It was further noted that those suffering trauma will be seen within 24 hours. It was noted that when the new system goes live it is expected there will be an increase in referrals due to processes being streamlined.

An additional concern was noted that additional services are not being commissioned to deal with the variety of issues patients are facing; it was said that the new model will seek to move resources ‘up stream’. It was noted that there have been lengthy discussions on the new model.

The issue of voluntary sector service providers with contracts ending was raised noting that some services have fallen victim to austerity. It was highlighted that it was not reassuring that vital voluntary sector services that patients rely upon currently may no longer exist in the future. It was also said that this can have a knock on effect on Council Services which are struggling financially. It was noted that the CCG is also experiencing financial pressures and that, ultimately, mental health services are not being adequately resourced by government.

A concern that patients who miss three appointments would be taken off waiting lists was raised. It was said that this is not the case however there needs to be a cut off for patients who continually fail to attend appointments (although it was also noted that failure to attend an appointment may rest with young peoples’ parent(s) or carer(s) rather than young people themselves).

A comment was made that the Board wants the best for the children of Gateshead. The work of the service was acknowledged noting that they have a difficult job to do. Members of the Board agreed that an open dialogue needs to be maintained on this ongoing issue to ensure that the new process is working.

It was agreed that an update of this report would be brought back to the Board in the near future.

RESOLVED:

(i)            The Board noted the contents of the report and presentation.

(ii)           The Board agreed to receive further updates throughout the phased implementation of the CAMHS transformation programme.

(iii)          The Board agreed to receive further updates on current waiting list positions.

(iv)         The Board agreed the refreshed Children and Young People Mental Health, Emotional Wellbeing & Resilience plan and implementation arrangements.