Agenda item

To receive a presentation regarding ‘Access Wellbeing – Transforming Dorset Community Mental Health Services’

The Chief Operating Officer, Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation Trust, provided a presentation to the Committee, which included details about:

• What is Access Wellbeing
• How the new model of care was developed
• Details of the new model of care
• Details of the new hubs and drop-in spaces
• The support provided in the hubs and drop-in spaces
• Details of charity partners
• Feedback from clients
• Universal hub data analysis
• Dorset Community Mental Health Offer
• Links for how to stay up to date.

The Committee discussed the presentation, including:

• In response to a query regarding the lack of hubs in Christchurch, the Committee was advised that the initial hubs were rolled out where there was known need being unmet, but that future ones could be considered there.  The Committee was advised that this request would be fed back to the lead responsible for choosing locations.
• In response to a query regarding KPIs on the impact the new model of care was having, the Committee was advised that the programme was in its infancy and that data to track its outcomes would need to be collected and considered moving forward.  The Committee was advised that when this data was available it could be shared with them for information.  ACTION.
• In response to a query regarding reaching those residents in need who were not able to access information online, the Committee was advised that the wellbeing coordinators roles covered time spent in the hubs and key locations such as GP surgeries, time spent online for those that find it most helpful and home visits.
• In response to a query regarding if someone did attend one of the hubs in crisis, the Committee was advised that Dorset Healthcare was the lead provider to help manage some of those challenges including strong partnership working ensuring that a wellbeing coordinator could access the Crisis Team in the Community Mental Health Team should the need arise and that the feedback about the accessibility had been very positive and the Committee were reassured that this would continue to be monitored.
• In response to a query, the Committee was advised that most of the anecdotal data had been around the quality of the service however there had not been analysis yet regarding who was accessing the service and its reach.  It was noted that the service was aware of the age population accessing it and that they had not been known to the service previously. 
• In response to a query regarding how the service was being promoted, the Committee was advised that promotion had been included in part of the whole transformation programme by NHS Dorset, reaching out to stakeholder groups, social media promotion and interviews on the TV.  The Committee was advised of the ask to promote the service through various networks to see access increased.
• There was some further discussion about promoting the service and the Committee was reassured that an action would be taken away to continue to promote with stakeholders and residents.
• In response to a query regarding linking in with homelessness services and charities, the Committee was advised that Dorset Healthcare provided a homelessness healthcare service and that the services were interlinked.  The Committee was advised that accommodation issues were often cited for those accessing the hubs and the well being coordinators had upskilled to provide support in this area.
• In response to a query, the Committee was advised that there would always be space for relevant officers to be available within the hubs.  It was advised that housing officers were not currently situated within the hubs but that the wellbeing coordinators were given a lot of guidance to help them navigate the system and support those in need.
• The Director of Adult Social Care informed the Committee that all partners had receive a lot of information regarding the hubs and were promoting it within the community.  The Committee was advised that whilst it was not always possible to put officers/practitioners in the hubs, there was an ‘in reach’
• There was some discussion around care leavers and what support could be provided for them and it was noted that the wellbeing coordinators could be given more support in this area to ensure they had the right tools to support any care leaver who might access one of the hubs.
• The Committee was advised that this service was for over 18s and the ongoing transformation programme for children and young people was highlighted.
• In response to a concern that families and friends of people in crisis could not refer them unless they wanted to access help, the Committee was advised of the complexities involved regarding consent and confidentiality but was reassured that the service would provide support to anyone who expressed concerns regarding an individual and assess and understand any risks posed.
• In response to a query regarding CAMHS, the Committee was advised that CAMHS was on an improvement journey but that it was a priority with Dorset Healthcare working alongside its partners to progress.
• In response to a concern about capacity of services to meet needs, the Committee was advised that the business case had been modelled using capacity and demand needs from a population health perspective with substantial investment to ensure success
• A Committee Member highlighted the 333 hub which provided support to care leavers, and the Chief Operating Officer advised she would ensure she linked in with that service to ensure residents would benefit from both services.

The Chair thanked the Chief Operating Officer for their presentation.