Issue - items at meetings - B&H Wellbeing Services (Mental Health)

92.1         Anna McDevitt, Commissioning Manager, Mental Health CCG (AM); John Ota, Assistant Director Brighton Integrated Care Service; and Dr Helen Curr, Clinical Lead, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Brighton & Hove Wellbeing Service presented the report on Brighton & Hove Wellbeing Service and answered questions.

92.2    The Service had now been in place for 14 months. The previous service had lacked adequate capacity and had seemed ‘disconnected’ from primary care services. The service now also included improved links with voluntary sector services. The previous service supported people up to the age of 65. Now around 5% of service users were aged over 65. This was a step in the right direction.

92.3    Appendix 1 set out the 4 components of the service and performance and activity levels.

The Hub that received referrals is the key liaison point for information and advice. The Primary Care Health Practitioner Service, usually based in GP surgeries, works alongside GPs to provide the first ‘port of call.’

Higher intensity therapy including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is provided by the Talking Therapy Service. For mild or moderate conditions, the Primary Care Health Support Service provides signposting and self-help.

92.4    Ms McDevitt said the service had inherited a significant backlog. The first year had been very busy. Waiting times were significantly shorter but the waiting list still stood at 900 cases. It was pleasing that response times had improved however some people were still waiting too long. The service was working with partnerships to reduce the waiting list.

Additional funding from the CCG should enable the backlog to be cleared by May 2014. It may also be possible to identify areas where support capacity is underused at present.

92.5    The service had achieved the goal of being available in 30 GP surgeries, 2 voluntary sector venues and 3 community-based sites. Good outcomes were being achieved with recovery rates of around 50% being in the top quartile, nationally.

92.6    The speakers replied to Members’ questions:

·        Most of the waiting list is for talking therapies, where activity is expected to increase within the existing contract value and where additional investment is being sought. The average waiting time has reduced from around 9 months last year to 5-6 months now. Everyone referred to the service is prioritised and contacted more swiftly. More resources have been put into assessment; the service is now meeting the target of 20 working days for timely assessments.

·        Almost all referrals are via GPs though there are a few self-referrals. Referrals are accepted from mental health professionals or other professionals who can help someone to fill in the self-referral form.

·        The 7 GP leads are mental health ‘champions’ supporting other surgeries that are identified in clusters. GPs are aware which part of the service to refer people to and the wellbeing service also does triage.

·        The Wellbeing service works in GP surgeries where space is available. People are often more comfortable there although some like to be seen elsewhere.

·        Previously the contract was for one year only. The current contract is for 3 years and, if it performs well, can be extended without re- tendering.

·        The service is set up for mobile working and can co-locate with community services. It is working with GPs and in collaboration with other organisations including those working with travellers to help increase access to the service, especially for hard to reach populations.

·        By being more embedded in local primary care services, it is planned that accessibility to psychological therapies will increase.

·        Talking therapies for under-18s are provided via schools counselling, CAMHS or other third sector provision. A service user at age 17-18 would be consulted on their future adult service provision.

92.7    Members noted the report. On behalf of HWOSC, Councillor Sven Rufus, Chair, asked that Members be kept informed on the patient backlog and increased activity levels in the target areas.