Agenda item

To consider the options outlined by Cheshire and Wirral Partnership (CWP) and Eastern Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) in the Pre- Consultation Business Case for Mental Health Redesign.

Representatives from Cheshire and Wirral Partnership (CWP), South Cheshire and Vale Royal Clinical Commissioning Group (SCCCG) and Eastern Cheshire CCG attended the meeting to present the item on Mental Health redesign.

Clare Watson Chief Officer at SCCCG, gave the context to the item since the last time the Committee had considered this item in March 2017.  This included a rise in demand for care, the evidence to support the current service was unsustainable and that current patients could be supported in the community. 

The Pre-Consultation Business Case (PCBC) had been written in partnership with organisations that included Cheshire East Council and the Third Sector in addition to listening events over 12-months and input via the pre-consultation workshops held in the borough.  The Committee was thanked for its previous input and recommendations, as this had helped to shape the progression of the pre-consultation work.

Jacki Wilkes, Project Lead and Associate Director of Commissioning, ECCCCG, addressed the Committee and talked through the case for change and outlined the needs of the population.  The consistent theme that had emerged throughout the pre-consultation had been the call for more personalised care and more support in the community.  One key point for the new model of working was to support people as close to home as possible in the least restrictive environment. 

The Committee was informed that ECCCG and CWP had listened to patients and looked at local options that considered:

·         Clinical outcomes, continuity and quality of care;

·         Travel implications for patients and carers;

·         Estates options and potential for reconfiguration; and

·         Working within financial control totals.

This had culminated in 8 options, which were assessed against a number of criteria and formed the final 3 options: 1, 4a and 4b. 

Following the presentation, the Chairman invited questions from the Committee, it was agreed that in instances where Councillors had a number of specific questions, these could be submitted to the panel after the meeting. 

The Committee asked for some explanation as to why the amount of crisis beds had dropped from 10 to six.  It was explained this was in response to a needs analysis.

There was some discussion about the role of the sustainability of the Third Sector in the business proposal.  Jacki advised that the early conversations with the sector has been positive, however it was too early in the process to discuss funding.

Clare advised that the current method of delivering care was unsustainable, a redesign of Mental Health services provided the opportunity to identify how all the health bodies across Cheshire worked and pooled resources and funding to bring opportunities to commission collectively for a better Mental Health offer to patients.  Councillor Janet Clowes, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Integration suggested that it would be helpful to view the proposed redesign plans for mental health in the context of the NHS 5-Year Forward View.

The Committee requested that as part of the consultation, there needed to be a succinct precis to show exactly the type of care that would remain in the area, and that which would be moved to Chester or Bowmere; it was noted that using terms such as preferred option were unhelpful and potentially leading.

The Committee asked for further clarification about how the consultation was expected to be rolled out.  Katherine Wright, Associate Director of Communications and Public Engagement, CWP advised that the proposal had been based on national best practice.  The consultation documents would be distributed in public places, mental health hospitals, libraries, in addition to six public meetings, with a possibility of more if needed, and a strong emphasis on meeting where people already met.  Consultation would also be carried out with the Health and Well Being Board and Town and Parish Councils.  There would be a dedicated telephone line, existing social media channels and online resources would be used.  The consultation results would be independently analysed. 

RESOLVED:

(a)  That the speakers be thanked for their attendance and presentation;

(b)  That the Pre-Consultation Business Case be received and noted;

(c)  That the Pre-Consultation proposal to conduct public consultation in February 2018 be endorsed;

(d)  That the consultation documents be circulated to the Committee for comment via email when available;

(e)  That any additional questions the Committee be submitted to Helen Davies to be forwarded to CWP and the CCGs;

(f)   That the 5-Year Forward View be added to the Work Programme for NHS Eastern Cheshire CCG; and

(g)  That CWP and the CCGs be invited back to this Committee with the results of the consultation in June 2018.