‘Mental Health Services Proposals under the Spotlight’ Public Meeting – Blackburn with Darwen 28 th October 2010 – Town Hall, Blackburn 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)
Local Developments in Blackburn with Darwen Improved Access to Psychological (talking) Therapies Greater support for self-help (It’s a goal, My Life with Blackburn Rovers Community Trust, CALM) Expansion of the Memory Assessment Service 3 Key Priorities identified for Dementia Services A single point of access for referrals into mental health services Recovery Team for those with a long term condition Supported Accommodation Schemes Individual packages of care for those with complex needs
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