Agenda item

This report provides a briefing on the programme to develop a North West London wide Whole System Mental Health & Wellbeing Strategic Plan, which will build on the previous NWL Mental Health Strategy (Shaping Healthier Lives) and the Whole Systems approach to involving health and social partners in developing the plan.

Dr Beverley McDonald and Thirza Sawtell introduced the North West London Whole Systems Mental Health & Wellbeing Strategic Plan, which encompassed all population groups, including children and young adults. The strategic plan looked at services in a more holistic way, supporting people to maintain mental health.

The report set out the strategic context, the vison for mental health services and the objectives and expected benefits.

Dr McDonald noted the essential role of local authorities in commissioning health and wellbeing services and the importance of their commitment and involvement in the programme.

Dr McDonald emphasised the importance of ‘shifting settings of care’ and good joint working, with all local stakeholders.

Mr Mallinson queried whether learning disabilities had been encapsulated within the mental health strategy. Dr McDonald responded that learning disabilities would be one of a number of strands within the whole work programme, concentrating on how the needs of the group could be best met.

Mr Mallinson stated that Healthwatch would be happy to support the programme and represent the interests of patients.

Dr McDonald responded to comments about the involvement of local authorities, that they sat on the North West London Transformation Board. Mrs Bruce commented that the Board had a lack of locality focus and there tended to be limited local authority attendance through lack of capacity. There was a need for local authorities to be represented at all levels.

Mrs Wright-Turner commented that the Children’s Trust Board considered the CAMHs service to be a key priority and would be keen to influence the programme outcomes.

Councillor Lukey referred to the aspirations of ‘Shifting settings of care’ and noted the  lack of a recovery house locally to meet mid-stage needs. In addition, facilities did not meet the aspirations of women who did not want to be in mixed communities and it appeared that the carers of people with mental health problems had not been given prominence. Dr McDonald responded that there had been engagement with service users and carers and this would continue. It was recognised that carers of people with mental health problems were at risk because they were in stressful situations.

Councillor Vaughan considered that the Council would expect to be formally consulted.

Mr Mallinson stated that Healthwatch had three areas of concern with West London Mental Health Trust (WLMHT): the quality of services for patients in the Claybrook Centre; the transfer of services from Hammersmith & Fulham to Ealing; and the apparent reluctance of the trust to participate in wider patient engagement.

Dr McGoldrick stated that the CCG shared the concerns in respect of Claybrook Centre and potential risk. It was believed that WLMHT was aware of the issues and was reviewing its strategies.

Mrs Bruce noted the concerns in respect of Approved Mental Health Professionals leaving because of the workload and environment. 

Mrs Bruce referred to the ‘Shifting settings of care’ and the role of the joint commissioning board. The Local Authority was the lead in respect of the learning disabilities service. Some of the pressures on providers in respect of the shift from secondary to primary care were understandable. There needed to be a locality focus. Should there be a change to or removal of a service, the Council would expect to be consulted and would like to work closely with health services in respect of the pathway and supporting people early, in a preventative way.

Mr Lines noted the importance of the relationship between physical and mental health, and supporting people to maintain physical health through a holistic approach, particularly for people with long term conditions.

Councillor Lukey concluded the discussion, stating that it had been helpful to receive the strategic plan at an early stage and that the Council would want to be involved at various levels. It was suggested that NHS North West London should work with the Health, Adult Social Care & Social Inclusion PAC to consider how to take forward the strategic plan.

RESOLVED THAT:

The Health & Wellbeing Board noted the North West London Whole Systems Mental Health & Wellbeing Strategic Plan.