Agenda item

(Democratic & Electoral Services Manager) To consider the attached report and undertake external scrutiny of Local Mental Health Services with Ms S Rea, the Associate Director of West Essex Mental Health Services from the Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust.

The Chairman introduced Ms S Rea, Associate Director of West Essex Mental Health Services, from the Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) as the Committee had previously requested an opportunity to undertake external scrutiny of local mental health services.

Ms S Rea gave a presentation to the Committee to answer the specific questions raised by Members before the meeting and provide a wider overview of the services provided by the EPUT within the District:

-        Impact of Covid-19 on mental health;

-        How we responded;

-        Response during Covid:

o   Older people and those with dementia;

-        Projected surge;

-        Mental health & wellbeing of students aged 18 +;

-        Funding for local mental health services;

-        Working in collaboration;

-        EPUT Services in Epping Forest;

-        Services for older people and all age dementia; and

-        Adult community.

The Chairman thanked Ms S Rea for her presentation and requested questions from the Committee. In response to a number of questions from Cllr S Rackham, Ms S Rea stated that it was always considered that a second wave of Covid-19 infections would have mental health ramifications with a gradually developing peak. Consideration was already being given to further supporting those people already using the local services, as well as considering how to further support those people previously released from the local services. Extra funding for the Crisis Team had come from NHS England, but the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) had to make a commitment to using that funding for long term care. The Trust was also examining how to develop the Crisis Team using funding from Essex County Council, for example the Crisis Café in Harlow. It was acknowledged that risk assessments were challenging in the current circumstances, but the Trust was actively checking in with people on their books – although some of these people were not keen on having outsiders come to their homes.

Cllr D Plummer acknowledged that mental health services were not funded as well as they should be, and enquired if there was any specific help that could be given to the mental health of young people as they become adults. Ms S Rea accepted that there was a gap in mental health provision for youngsters as they transitioned from children to adults, and there was a project whereby adult services became involved with an individual from the age of 17. A pilot scheme for young people aged 18 – 25 appeared to be working well and it was intended to continue with this scheme. The Trust supported any initiative which reinforced the view mental health was an issue that could affect anyone.

Cllr S Murray was heartened to hear that services were not withdrawn during the first Pandemic, and complimented the quality of the staff who supported a weekly mental health group in Loughton. The Councillor commented that schools were far more aware of mental health issues with children now, but felt that it was still difficult for children aged 11- 18 to access services, or they were accessing them too late. Finally, was mental health services now being adequately funded? Ms S Rea informed the Committee that the Trust did not deal with mental health issues for children, but contact details for the relevant bodies had been provided to Officers. Ms S Rea felt that investment in mental health services was improving as they had a higher profile now, but CCGs were being held to account for the services they were providing.

Cllr J H Whitehouse enquired as to what support was provided by the Home Support Team and how long it lasted for. Ms S Rea explained that Psychiatrists and Mental Health Nurses within the Team could initiate medication if required, provide counselling and provide support around social issues such as employment and housing. The individual would stay under the care of the Team for as long as their episode required, before being transferred to a Community Team. The Community Team would continue to monitor the individual and provide support in accordance with their care plan and mental health needs. They were not visited as often as when they were under the Home Support Team, but they were given support in re-engaging with their local community.

Cllr D Sunger highlighted the bold message of World Mental Health Day, i.e. that it is ok to not be ok, and that mental health issues affected 1 in 4 people in any given year. Had the Trust considered a similar initiative for the District? Ms S Rea stated that the Trust always campaigned on World Mental Health Day to raise local awareness of mental health issues. For example, middle-aged men were most likely to commit suicide for various different reasons, and the Trust was working on a number of initiatives to deal with this issue. Any work with the Council to promote positive mental health wellbeing would be excellent, and the Trust would support any joint initiatives with the Council.

In response to a number of questions from Cllr A Patel, Ms S Rea informed the Committee that there were a whole range of initiatives that the Trust could work alongside the Council to progress. In respect of cross border transitions of patients, there was a clear transfer process which was followed. The Trust worked across the traditional borders of administrative units, and the Home Support Team would provide assistance in the early stages outside of the Trust’s area. The Trust had a place of safety at the Derwent Centre in Harlow, where people could go if they wished, and a number of Crisis Cafes were also being developed. There was also a Street Triage Service which could be contacted by the Police if mental health issues were identified during an incident. For community referrals, the Trust had accepted direct referrals from the general public for some time now if it was noticeable that a neighbour was suffering from mental health issues for example, and the 1112 telephone number was open for everyone to use if required. It was acknowledged that with awareness of mental health issues having increased, it was difficult to find suitably qualified staff. There was a national shortage of such staff, but the Trust had attended a stakeholders event to identify particular gaps in staffing and Mental Health Coaches were also used to raise awareness with suitably qualified people.

The Committee had no further questions and Ms S Rea emphasised that she would be happy to answer any further questions from Councillors in the days after the meeting. Cllr M Sartin opined that this item had raised as many questions as it had answered, and thanked Ms S Rea for her attendance at the meeting.

            Resolved:

(1)        That the external scrutiny by the Committee of the Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust regarding the current provision, planning, management and performance of local mental health services across the Epping Forest District be noted.