Major review of mental health services (From Mid Devon Star)

Major review of mental health services

7:04am Tuesday 19th February 2008

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AN independent task group has announced a range of recommendations to improve the services which support people in Devon with mental health needs.

A task group of Devon County Council's independent Health and Adult Services Overview Scrutiny Committee reviewed the provision and availability of community based mental health services across the county.

The main purpose of the task group's investigation was to establish whether people with mental health needs are receiving, or who can easily access, appropriate and timely support, which would ensure that they are able to continue living within their own communities, rather than in institutional settings.

The investigation was undertaken in response to a number of concerns which had been expressed by council members, and members of the public, who perceived that the high number of ward and bed closures were not being matched by a commensurate expansion of community based mental health services.

The investigation focused on services for adults aged between 18 to 65 years of age, and evidence was taken from a number of sources including mental health professionals from Devon Partnership NHS Trust (DPT), Devon Primary Care Trust, Devon County Council, Emergency Services, independent service providers, charitable organisations, patients, carers and other independent persons.

The report provided by the task group highlights a number of issues which indicate that some of the needs of those who suffer from mental illness in Devon are not yet being met.

In particular, the task group concluded that, if people with psychiatric disorders are to be treated in the community, it is necessary to ensure that all the elements of care that they would have received in hospital are available to them locally, when required. And that, arguably, the provision needed to replace long-term hospital care will include: suitable and well supported carers; appropriate accommodation; arrangements that enlist the patient's collaboration with treatment; regular reassessment, including assessment of physical health, and continuity of care and rapid response to crises.

During the course of the investigation, DPT advised the task group of its proposals to reconfigure mental health services across the county. It was agreed by the members that, if successfully implemented, the new system of working would alleviate some of the group's concerns.

The recommendations that the group include: Expanding the function of the DPT's Crisis Resolution Teams (CRTs), and making the service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This would provide more emergency support, which is needed out of normal working hours. The CRT composition should include Approved Social Workers.

Providing the services of a specialist Mental Health doctor during the out of hours period.

Providing the services of a specialist mental Health (Section 12) doctor during the out of hours period, Establishing places of safety' across Devon where people suspected of suffering from mental disorders can be taken for an assessment of their condition. Detention at a police station, which can often happen at present, is considered inappropriate.

Establishing a single point of access and a single point of contact for all persons suffering with mental health issues. There should be a dedicated telephone support service available 24 hours 7 days a week.

DPT should review with its partners - the police and ambulance service - how information relating to individuals who may be a danger to themselves or others is made available to people responding to emergency situations.

DPT should promote the up-take of an initiative from Rethink, whereby mentally ill persons voluntarily carry an identification card that details any illness or medication.

That work is done to assess the viability of establishing a crisis house' within Devon that would provide a respite service.

The DPT's existing Psychiatric Liaison Team, which currently supports the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital only, should be extended to provide services to all acute hospitals in the county, and that team members be available 24 hours a day 7 days a week to assist nursing staff and mentally ill patients on acute hospital wards.

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