‘Mental Health Services Proposals under the Spotlight’ Public Meeting – North Lancashire 21 st October 2010 – Town Hall, Lancaster Debbie Nixon Strategic Director for Mental Health Blackburn with Darwen - Blackpool - Central Lancashire - East Lancashire - North Lancashire

Structure of meeting  Introduction  Questions and Answers  Group / discussions  Feedback  Next steps

Context  Mental Health Public Consultations 2004, 2006  Strategic Outline Case 2007  Coalition Government’s ‘four tests’ 1)Support from GP Commissioners 2)Strengthened public engagement 3)Clinical evidence base 4)Consistency with patient choice

The Need to ‘Re-Test’  Coalition Government has asked the NHS Commissioners to: – Review proposed changes in light of the ‘four tests’ – Ensure the highest clinical quality and choice – Ensure best value in constrained financial climate – Timescale ◦ October 2010 – February 2011

Key Points – Summary of Consultations  Reduce 15 inpatient units to new purpose built sites (4 sites – 500 beds)  Current estates not ‘fit for purpose’  Too many people being treated in hospital  A lot of care provided by hospitals could be offered in community settings  Closures after appropriate alternatives in place in the community

What has happened since then?  Significant investment in specialist community teams across Lancashire – Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment Teams (8 teams) – Early Intervention (1 team) – Assertive Outreach (7 teams)

Some Local Developments in North Lancashire  Improved Access to Psychological (talking) Therapies (IAPT) and computerised CBT  Greater support for self-help (‘Solutions’ Social Prescribing)  Memory Assessment Clinics  Dementia Champions  Rehab and Supported Accommodation Service Plans

What’s changed since the original Consultation?  Inpatient bed numbers have reduced (790 to 549)  Increasing number of patients treated in alternative community services  Increased national focus on Dementia  Ageing population, people living longer – Dementia is a bigger issue

Questions?  How have the changes affected you?  What are your experiences of community alternatives?  How could they be improved?  Reduced beds may mean fewer sites – what do you think? (Travel vs. fit for purpose services?)  What would be the key issues?

Next Steps  Feedback / report  How to contact us:- Website: Tel: Address: Guide Business Centre, School Lane, Blackburn BB1 2QH Blackburn with Darwen - Blackpool - Central Lancashire - East Lancashire - North Lancashire