Issue - meetings

To consider the consultation document from the Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

The Committee considered a consultation document on a Substantial Development or Variation in Service (SDV) relating to in-patient services in Central and Eastern Cheshire. 

The document outlined that a review of services had indicated that in future provision could be made through four in-patient wards (two older persons and two adult acute).  CWP had six wards at present although one was temporarily closed.  The proposal was based on further investment being made in community services and continuation of new ways of working which had resulted in effective reductions in admissions and length of stay elsewhere in the CWP patch.

Three options had been considered:

Option 1 – continue to provide services as at present from the Mental Health Units at Leighton Hospital and Macclesfield – this would not be achievable as CWP had already been given notice to vacate the Mental Health Unit at Leighton, even if it were possible, there would be clinical risks by stretching limited resources across two sites and existing wards were not capable of being redesigned to provide the environmental improvements required;

Option 2 – Provide the service currently available at Leighton elsewhere but continue to provide services from two main inpatient sites – this would create clinical risk issues if two sites were used as there would not be enough staff on duty at certain times to ensure clinical safety, this option would not be as financially efficient as option 3 and would not free up funding for community service developments;

Option 3 – provide all adult and older persons’ acute mental health inpatient services from a single site – this was CWP’s preferred option. Capital investment would be made to maximise the number of single rooms and ensure the provision of adequate therapeutic and day care facilities.  Greater financial efficiencies would enable funding to be released for further developing community services.

After the consultation a full economic analysis would determine how a single site would be provided taking into account the financial position of the local and national health economies.  A working group had been established to look at the criteria to be used when selecting a preferred location for an inpatient mental health unit.  Any transport or access issues would be addressed in partnership with Cheshire East Council.

Public meetings were arranged in major towns in Cheshire East to run alongside the other SDV consultation (minute XX refers). 

RESOLVED:  That

(a) the report be received and the proposals be confirmed as a substantial development or variation to the provision of services;

(b) the arrangements made by CWP for public consultation on the issues and options be noted and supported; and

(c) Option 3 (the provision of services from a single site) be supported.