Agenda item

The Chairman noted there had been some confusion regarding the purpose of the presentation. He briefly explained that representatives were present from Fit for my Future in order to raise awareness of a formal mental health consultation and to listen to the views of members.

Dr Alex Murray noted that Fit for my Future was the health and care strategy for Somerset.  She explained that they wanted to share with members the new model of care regarding mental health services, and to get views of the Committee on the potential future location of adult acute inpatient beds (mental health). She provided a comprehensive presentation including information about:

·         The strategy meant people in Somerset would receive a different model of care within their community – and a brief overview of how this would be achieved.

·         The process for the review.

·         The public consultation on the future location of adult acute inpatient mental health beds including:

o   Why there was a need to focus on mental health services

o   The mental health model in Somerset

o   What it would mean for people in Somerset

o   The current provision of acute mental health inpatient beds across Somerset

o   Why the acute mental health inpatient beds needed to be reviewed.

o   Which wards were being considered in the consultation

o   The three options considered

o   The preferred option and why

o   Implications of moving beds to Yeovil and why going to public consultation

o   What it means for people in South Somerset

·         The consultation would run until 12 April 2020.

During discussion, representatives from Fit For My Future responded to points of detail, including:

·         The number of beds would remain the same but some beds would be changing use.

·         There was a national model for crisis cafes, and Fit for my Future had looked at examples elsewhere in the country and they were also looking at best practice.

·         Recognise the important role played by the voluntary sector. There was an aspiration for different sectors to come together as a mental health alliance.

·         Need to look at services and engagement with hard to reach groups and in particular how to help people in their own home – this a value in the Fit for my Future vision.

·         Most people diagnosed with depression did not require specialist treatment, and severe cases were infrequent.

·         Figures stated in the presentation included people with dementia.

·         There had been extensive discussions with Mendip District Council.

·         Where possible patients were encouraged to make their own way to hospital.

Members wished it to be noted that whilst they supported the proposals as they clearly provided a solution in terms of managing risk, they acknowledged many residents in Mendip may feel disadvantaged regarding the proposals, and that there were concerns regarding the travel arrangements and the potential impact for some patient’s recovery when they are outside of their local community. At the end of discussion some members were of the opinion that the Health and Well Being Board should take the lead on behalf of the district councils.

The Chairman suggested that a briefing note be sent to all members and to encourage them to participate in the consultation. He suggested he could do a summary under the Scrutiny Committee item at full Council in order to raise awareness, and this was agreed by members.

The Chairman thanked the representatives from Fit for my Future for their informative presentation.

N.B. A copy of the presentation slides are attached to these minutes.