Learning Disabilities Services in South Tyneside A Joint Assessment and Treatment Centre for People with a Learning Disability and Mental Health Problems

South Tyneside Primary Care Trust Assessment and Treatment Services A Joint Plan with Gateshead Primary Care Trust

Don't get confused Learning disability and mental health problems are not the same thing. However, anyone can develop mental health problems.

Definition of a learning disability A learning disability is not an illness or a disease. The cause of many learning disabilities is not known. Most are caused by the way the brain develops before, during or soon after birth. A learning disability does not stop someone from learning, achieving, having and expressing feelings and wishes or from having close friendships and relationships.

Where do people with a learning disability go now for assessment and treatment? People go to Northgate Hospital which is in Morpeth, 25 miles away and Prudhoe Hospital - even further! It is a long way to go!

What is the plan? With Gateshead, we plan to have a local service - a new building. So people wont have to travel big distances! It will have 12 places and be supported by psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists and nurses.

Why with Gateshead? We couldn’t afford it on our own and neither could Gateshead. It’s better to share a building and staff.

What has happened so far? There has been a lot of planning. There will be a large cost to build it and to run it. We already spend on the service now so need to fund the balance.

Where will the Centre be? We have looked at some places where the centre could be built. We all think the best place will be on the Hebburn Hospital grounds at Victoria Road West. Planning permission will be asked for in February.

Where are we now? We are finishing the business case and that will go to the Primary Care Trust meetings in South Tyneside and in Gateshead. A lot more planning still has to be done.

Finance? Monies are available from the Strategic Health Authority for the building work and the two PCTs have planned for the revenue costs. Timescales? Start is planned for Spring 2007 with completion and occupation in Spring 2008.

Consulting Local People Worked with Partnership Boards and other people in developing the plans so far Now a formal public consultation period (January 2007 – Mid February 2007) Including: –Public meetings –Local forum meetings –Letters to interested groups and individuals

Hope that you agree this is good news! Good example of partnership working to get better and local services for local people.

Any Questions?