Agenda item

This report provides the Committee with a briefing on the CAMHS services as provided by Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.

(a) Rose Whittle, Head of Operations and Delivery Community Child Health Directorate and Dr. Tracy Gardiner, Clinical Director CAMHS Network, will present the report and be available to answer questions;

(b) Questions from Committee Members.

The Chairperson welcomed Rosemary Whittle, Head of Operations and Delivery Community Child Health Directorate and Dr Tracy Gardiner, Clinical Director CAMHS Network to the meeting to provide a briefing and update on the CAMHS services as provided by Cardiff and Vale University Health Service, in particular the following elements of that service:

• Emotional Wellbeing Service (EWS);
• Primary Mental Health Services (incorporating Mental Health Measure – Part 1);
• Neurodevelopmental Service (NDS);
• Secondary CAMHS (Cwm Taf provider).

The Chairperson invited questions and comments from Members:

• Members queried whether there is enough support from other organisations to deal with the early intervention and support those with milder needs and were advised that there is a lot of collaborative work with 3^rd sector organisations.  However, it was accepted that stress, anxiety and emotional upset in young people is an ever-growing issue with children and it is important to intervene at the right time. A map providing information as to who and what service to contact would be of benefit.

Members were advised that it is believed that it is the number of children rather than gaps in provision which need to be addressed.  There had been concerns that the EWS would be overwhelmed, and it is fair to say that there are still some potential gaps in the referral, assessment and support process for early years. The Health Board is trying, through its planning process, to identify those gaps and feed them into the next planning stage

• Members were advised that there was a specific tendering process prior to Change, Grow Live being commission, they are a national organisation involved in substance misuse and emotional wellbeing based in Cardiff.

• Members were advised that the point of the EWS was to try and avoid the stigmatisation of children and young people by allowing them to self-refer or for schools to refer.  Further with EWS the policy is that there is ‘no wrong door’ as there can be discussions about other routes/services available.

• Members raised concern that the telephone number provided to contact the team during the night time was the Switch Board at UHW and queried whether there should be a dedicated phone number.  Officers advised that the Crisis Team could be contacted via UHW if it was a serious crisis, if not EWS would endeavour to contact the young person as soon as possible however, did feel that it should be considered further.

• Members were advised that the extra funding from the Health Board and Welsh Government was permanent.

• Members queried the figure of 596 referrals to the NDS since 1 June and were advised that that was an accurate figure. Previously the numbers may not have been clear as all referrals went directly to Community Paediatrics.   Members expressed concerns regarding capacity bearing in mind numbers, and officers advised that whilst a small team, there is still the Community Child Health Team providing team.  Collaborative support is very necessary.

• Members were advised that it is clear that the diagnosis process should be shorter, and it is anticipated that when a child is involved with different teams, all information should be collated and should be available for the Consultant at the time of the meeting with the child.

• Members requested information as to how many of the 596 referrals would be from GP’s and how many from the schools. Officers advised that the majority of the referrals are from GP’s, however regardless of where the referral comes from the school is always contacted.  Officers also advised that both the NDS and PMH Coordinator are based at St David’s and can always be contacted.

AGREED – That the Chairperson on behalf of the Committee writes to the Head of Operations and Delivery Community Child Health Directorate thanking them for attending the meeting and convey the observations of the Committee when discussing the way forward.