Agenda item

To note the update on NHS Mental Health services.

Report to follow.

Some members noted their unhappiness with the timeliness of papers received for the item.

Members were provided with an update on the report, particularly around the Greater Manchester Move On Project, CAMHS, GM Triage Services and Mental Health Mapping and Pathway redesign. It was noted that weekly bed management was being developed with partners and that Oldham’s target for Clinically Ready for Discharge patients was 5.2 patients. It was noted that monies saved through this management could be reinvested into other services. Long wait times were noted and it was advised that this was due to an increased number of referrals and the percentage of referrals accepted increasing.

It was noted that CAMHS provision was being expanded to 16-18 year olds with funding. It was highlighted that Optimise would be the new contracted provider for ASD and ADHD work, which had not had a contracted service until recently.

Members queried whether this learning was being passed onto other authorities and were advised that it was, with the work being presented as success stories to other local authorities and partners.

Members queried whether contact numbers could be provided and where Care Point were based. It was noted that contact information would be shared with the committee and that the Care Point offices in Oldham were on Randolph Street. It was also noted that Neural Developmental pathway facilities would be based in POINT, and that work would be done joining up with local authorities. Members also queried where Optimise was based, and it was noted that they had offices in Oldham meaning that services would not just be online, which was both responsible commissioning and a cost saving measure.

Members queried peer support and what this meant. It was noted that this would be linking people up with others to support them. Members also queried how big the Optimise backlog would be, and it was advised that there was no backlog but that work was ongoing to work to identify and support those with the most need.

Members queried the budget for this and were advised that the spend on ADHD was large and that £400k was being used in each locality which it was highlighted wouldn’t be enough, but that those with the highest needs were being supported.

Members queried that under the proposals of moving navigators up front, what could they signpost. It was based on need, with the most appropriate support being referred to through initial triaging, but the full process was still being worked out. Members also queried what the difference was between navigators and the GM triage system, and were advised that GM triage was just for ADHD and was more clinical, whereas navigators were for CAMHS.

Members noted the use of acronyms and requested that a glossary or definition be provided for each going forward. Members also highlighted the lack of reference to the voluntary sector and what support and training could be provided. It was noted that more could be done on prevention, Live Well and Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprises.

Members noted the Riding the Rapids programme, noting that anecdotal evidence suggests the work is positive, especially around burnouts. It was queried what the outcome of the pilot was, and it was noted the pilot was still ongoing but was receiving positive feedback and that there was an element for teachers within the programme too.

Members requested more information on the percentage of autism referrals that are diagnosed and given support, referrals broken down by age group and the location data by school, and it was advised that this information could be provided to the board.

Members queried why there had been a 200% increase in CAMHS referrals, and were advised that there were a number of reasons including social media, more awareness and the work of mental health practitioners.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted.