Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 11 April 2012 and authorise the Chairman to sign them.

The minutes of the meeting of the Individuals Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 11 April 2012 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

The Committee will receive a report setting out details of the work programme for the next municipal year.

The Committee are asked to agree the work programme report.

The Committee received a report setting out details of the work programme for the next municipal year.  The Committee discussed the items proposed and agreed the work programme for the next municipal year.

The Committee are asked to formally resolve to change the start time of the meeting.  Given the number of complex items that the committee with scrutinise, it is suggested that the start time move from 7:30pm to an earlier start time of 7:00pm.

The Committee are asked to formally agreed this change.

The Chairman of the Committee proposed that since there were a number of complex items that the committee would be scrutinising over the next municipal year that the start time of the committee was changed to 7:00pm.

The Committee agreed the change to the start time.  This will take affect from the next meeting (9 October 2012)

The Committee will receive a presentation on Keeping People with Long Term Mental Health Conditions out of Hospital from Havering Operations Director.

The Committee received a presentation on Supporting People with Long Term Mental Health Conditions to Remain out of Hospital by the Assistant Operational Director, NELFT.

The main service emphasis was the “Right Care, in the Right Place, at the Right Time”.  This included the focus on good practice for recovery through community services and in the stages of care to keep people out of hospital.  The Committee were informed that recovery is different for every individual, and therefore ensuring that the discharge plans are in place at the time of admission, ensures a swift process back into the community.

NELFT were in the process of portability of assessments, so that if a service user moves out of the area, the assessment would go with them to prevent duplication.  As part of the Service Remodelling, Care Pathways had been set up which included General Practitioners, BHRUT and the London Ambulance Service.  NELFT were working with the pathways to ensure that education and advice was given in the correct manner.

NELFT were working closely with GPs and the CCG, by holding regular network meetings to give advice and education about getting information to the patients.  There is a pilot of link workers into surgeries to assist with assessments, providing clear advice and providing services to patients.

The Committee were informed that there is a real challenge for BHRUT in treating patients in A&E with mental health conditions.  Not only does it cause concern to the A&E staff, but also is very distressing for the patient and others around them.

The Committee noted that there were flowcharts in place for the London Ambulance Service when dealing with people with mental health conditions.  The flowchart gave a pathway of care available for the London Ambulance staff to make a decision as to where to take the patient.  Contact details for the Mental Health Service were available for advice before taking patients to A&E.  Pre-assessments could be made by the Home Treatment Team before patients attending the 136 Suite at Sunflower Court at Goodmayes Hospital.

The Committee was informed that within the Older Persons Services, there was a Collaborative Care Service which was based at Queens Hospital and dealt with the early diagnosis of Dementia.

Members raised concerns about links with the Police and the use of the Section 136 for People with Mental Health Conditions.  The officer explained that the approach is to take the person to a place of safety and this would be the 136 Suite at Sunflower Court.  They have regular liaison meetings with the police to look at these specific issues.

Members asked about training and support that NELFT provided as the lead partner in supporting people with mental health conditions.  The officer stated that it is a cascade process from NELFT to management of each of the partners in the care pathway.  They provide input and training to the Acute trust, training for Queens Hospital for dealing with adults and older people with  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

Committee Members are invited to indicate to the Chairman, items within this Committee’s terms of reference they would like to see discussed at a future meeting.  Note: it is not considered appropriate for issues relating to individuals to be discussed under this provision.

The Committee discussed the outcomes of the Ageing Well Event and before agreeing on a topic group, felt it would be useful for a report to be presented on the themes that other Overview and Scrutiny Committee have agreed to scrutinise so there is no overlap.