Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

The Committee considered a report on Alcohol Services.  The report outlined figures relating to the impact that alcohol conditions could have on life expectancy.  The figures, from the North West Public Health Observatory, suggested that for both men and women in both Cheshire and Wirral, the average amount of life lost (in months) was higher than the average rate for England.

The Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CWP) was commissioned by NHS Wirral, NHS Western Cheshire and Central and Eastern Cheshire Primary Care Trust to deliver alcohol treatment services.  Services were available to those referred by their GP or who referred themselves and included people with moderate and severe, possibly dependent drinkers, drinkers with complex needs and those requiring community or inpatient detox.  There was an additional service available in Wirral to those alcohol users assessed at increasing risk and at higher risk, which had originally been funded through Neighbourhood Renewal Funding but since 2008 had been continued to be funded by the PCT.

The report listed the funding provided by each commissioner and numbers of staff and clients.  It was noted that the level of funding by Central and Eastern Cheshire PCT was lower than the other two areas but they served a higher population; Wirral had the most staff but also the greatest need.  It was explained that there were also voluntary organisations providing services in some areas.  It was noted that issues relating to commissioning could be raised at the local Scrutiny Committees.

RESOLVED:  That the report be noted and any issues relating to commissioning be referred to the individual Scrutiny Committees.