Agenda item

1.00pm

To consider a report by Katrina Anderson, Oxford Health, considering current service provision and opportunities for service improvement for residents with serious mental illness vulnerable and often marginalised group.

The Chair welcomed Katrina Anderson (Service Director, Oxfordshire,

BaNES, Swindon & Wiltshire Mental Health) and Dr Rob Bale (Clinical Director, Oxfordshire, BaNES, Swindon & Wiltshire mental Health

Directorate – Oxford Health) to the meeting.

The speakers presented a report outlining capacity and demand issues, recruitment and the development of a framework to develop services in the community rather than at crisis point. Work would be undertaken with community volunteers and primary care services. It was anticipated that three pilot hubs would be in place to deliver the service.

The clinical role was explained and the importance of developing services with users was paramount when introducing significant changes.

In response to members questions it was:

·         Confirmed that the scheme was being developed and delivered in partnership. It was advised that the first hub was in Blackbird Leys with a further two proposed in Abingdon and Banbury once estates issues had been resolved. There was also the possibility of virtual hubs.

·         In respect of performance monitoring it was indicated that using indicators was difficult as each case was unique. There was however work being procured to look at evaluation methods. The scheme was nationally funded with Oxfordshire getting a percentage of the money.

·         It was acknowledged that the scope of the work on prevention services could be expanded to include other outreach services such as drugs but this would need further discussion.

·         Confirmation was given that the specialist practitioners were in place until the end of the financial year with primary care funding. It was acknowledged that some groups were particularly disadvantaged and support above primary care level may be needed in those cases.

·         It was advised that patient feedback was essential when looking at outcomes and this involvement should reduce need for crisis intervention.

·         In respect of the growth in referrals between April 2019 and August 2021 it was advised that data was still to be fully assessed so the impact of the pandemic was not clear. There was an identified increase in young people accessing services during this time however.

·         The set up of the Blackbird Leys hub was outlined and it was clarified that this had been expedited as a third party had premises available and it was an area of high demand.

·         Further to this, confirmation was given that the Frank Bruno Foundation was not working in partnership with Oxford Health or providing services at the hub; instead the foundation had just leased space to the hub. This was after concern of Committee members in respect of the selection of the 3^rd sector organisation and its suitability in respect of those who had significant learning disabilities.

·         Confirmation was given that the framework for such schemes was in place and there was a process for working with voluntary services to deliver support. This involved ensuring due diligence and ensuring that partners had the necessary skills.

·         It was agreed that other services such as debt advice could also be included in hubs.

The Chair summarised the discussion and acknowledged the direction of travel was good. It was suggested and agreed that the issue be examined further and the possibility of a joint workshop could be beneficial encompassing agreed parameters.

Resolved:

1.    That the report be noted; and

2.    That the committee continues to monitor the issue and look at arranging a joint workshop on the subject.