Agenda item

The Board received a report of the Strategic Director, Communities, which set out the local progress in implementing two service developments within the 5BoroughsPartnership NHS Foundation Trust: the Later Life and Memory Service (LLAMS) and the Acute Care Pathway (ACP).

The Board was advised that proposals for a new approach to delivering services for people with memory loss, and for adults with mental illnesses, had been presented in detail to the Board in January 2012. The Acute Care Pathway had been developed specifically for people with significant mental illnesses, and arose because of concerns expressed by patients and carers that transfers of care between the complex range of community services, and by GPs who were concerned about the pathways between their service and the hospital.

The Board was further advised that as a result of these concerns, the 5Boroughs had taken the opportunity to fully review, with their partners, the structure and type of service they delivered, with the ACP as the final outcome.

It was reported that the changes required to implement the Acute Care Pathway were now in place. New teams had been set up and all necessary procedures within the 5Boroughs had been developed.  It was highlighted that it was too early to see the full results of the service redesign. Initial analysis had suggested that there was less use of inpatient beds, as more people were being supported in the community. The implications for the Council were also similarly unclear at this stage; if more people were being treated in the community, there was a potential increase in demand for the kinds of community-based services that the Council either provided or commissioned, with a risk of additional costs to the Authority as a result. This was being monitored both through the local Steering Group and the Mental Health Strategic Partnership Board.

The Board also received a presentation on the mental health services in Halton; Later Life and Memory Services (LLAMS) and Adult Acute Services, from Mr Julian Eyre and Mr John Heritage.

The following comments arose from the presentation:-

·             Clarity was sought on how people were supported in the community and what treatment they would receive and who would provide it.  In response, it was reported that the memory service would be the first point of call.  The services and interventions ranged from a cognitive stimulation service, carers support and signposting in order to help individuals retain their independence.  When an individual deteriorated further, the community health team would give support and prescribe appropriate drugs;

·             It was noted that care in the community had a financial impact on the Council and clarity was sought on how this would be managed if the cost continued to rise with the current budgetary cuts.  In response, it was reported that a broader strategic approach would be taken which would not result in having an adverse impact on Council services;

·             It was noted that the response time to people being assessed was; emergencies within 24 hours, an urgent referral 72 hours and a referral 10 days.  A speed care package was also implemented;

·             It was noted that the hours an individual received and what was provided in respect of home treatment depended on the individuals needs.  This could range from 20 minutes a day to several visits a day with varying hours provided;

·             Clarity was sought on who was responsible for the care package on discharge as it was not always available.  In response, it was reported that daily meetings took place on the wards and the delays in discharge care packages were reported to the Council.

·             The Members requested that further update reports be presented to the Board.

RESOLVED: That

(1)        the report, presentation and comments raised be noted; and

(2)        Mr Eyre and Mr Heritage be thanked for their informative presentation.