Issue - meetings

The Board received an update on mental health related activity undertaken by Halton Borough Council (HBC) and NHS Halton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

Members were informed that Mental Health services in Halton were under huge pressure as they were nationally, and the wait times and need for Mental Health services had risen to an all-time high.  Halton had therefore encountered significant challenges to ensure services met National standards.  Work had been undertaken to fully review all the adult services and older peoples in-patient beds in line with parity of esteem. 

It was noted that the report was completed in December 2015 and the recommendations would set the scene for the creation of a more effective, responsive service.  Further, the ongoing consultation and co-production of services would continue to help shape service provision in partnership with users of services.  The Board was advised that huge strides had been taken and the report provided an update of changes and innovation underway in the following areas or services:

·       Halton’s Wellbeing Practice;

·       Service Provision;

·       New Governance Structure;

·       Dementia Friendly Communities;

·       Admiral Nurses for Dementia;

·       5 Boroughs Footprint Review;

·       Emotional Wellbeing Services for Children;

·       The National Schools Pilot;

·       Future in Mind (FIM) and CAMHS Transformation;

·       System Resilience Funding;

·       The Mental Health Crisis Care Concordat;

·       Operation Emblem / Street Triage;

·       Liaison Psychiatry Service;

·       IAPT – Halton Psychological Therapies Service;

·       Suicide Prevention Strategy;

·       Support 4 Change;

·       Access targets for Early Intervention in Psychosis for First episode of psychosis;

·       Public Health, Mental Health Posts; and

·       Social Work for Better Mental Health

Following a request from one Member, further information on the ‘Admiral Nurses’ for Dementia would be sent to all Members via e-mail.

On behalf of the Board, the Chairman wished to convey their thanks to Councillor Dennett, the Council’s Mental Health Champion, on his work to date around the Mental Health agenda. 

RESOLVED:  That the contents of the report are noted.