Agenda item

Purpose of the item: To provide the Adults and Health Select Committee with an update on progress in implementing the recommendations of the Mental Health Task Group, which was established to map the individual and carer’s journey through adult mental health services in Surrey.

Witnesses:

Sinead Mooney, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Domestic Abuse

Stephen Murphy, Head of Mental Health Commissioning (Adult Services), Surrey Heartlands

Liz Uliasz, Assistant Director of Mental Health, Surrey County Council

Key points raised during the discussion:

1.    The Chairman of the Select Committee informed those present that she had sent a letter to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on the work of the Mental Health Task Group and the possibility of further progress in this area. The letter is annexed to these minutes.

2.    A Member asked how voluntary sector organisations were responding to the work that had arisen from the work of the Task Group, and whether they had seen any changes arising from it. The Assistant Director of Mental Health replied that the work of the Task Group had focused attention on what needed to be delivered and raised the profile of mental health. The Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Domestic Abuse added that the Task Group’s focus on the issue of commissioning of voluntary sector mental health services was important and had ensured a better approach.

3.    The Chief Executive Officer of the Mary Frances Trust emphasised the usefulness of the Task Group’s recommendations and stated that voluntary sector organisations were now being included more widely in work with NHS- or Council-run mental health organisations. However, there was still more work to be done, particularly around the commissioning of services; sometimes contracts and conditions were still not adequate from the point of view of voluntary sector organisations. Overall, though, a change had been made and voluntary sector organisations wished to see a continuation of this direction of travel. The Cabinet Member stated that it was important to note that longer-term contracts did not suit all providers; some providers preferred the flexibility of shorter-term contracts. In future, there would be a tailored approach to all contracts.

4.    The Head of Mental Health Commissioning (Adult Services) emphasised the value of voluntary sector organisations, particularly with regards to patient experience. The possibility of a forum of providers was being considered.

5.    A Member requested an update on the workforce resilience hub mentioned in the report. The Head of Mental Health Commissioning responded that the hub had originally been set up to in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, during which many health and social care staff had experienced extreme stress. The hub had started by primarily offering psychological therapies and had since been expanded to offer peer support. It was important to acknowledge that people often sought mental health support after the event and the service was mindful of the need to prepare for this. Also, the IAPT (improving access to psychological therapies) service offered mental health support to as many people as needed it.

6.    A Member enquired whether there would be mental health training for Members during the induction after the May 2021 local government election. The Cabinet Member acknowledged the importance of keeping the mental health agenda high-profile once new Members had joined the Council after the election, including ensuring Members had good knowledge on legislation and the political agenda with regards to mental health. She would research this and provide more information to the Select Committee.

7.    The Cabinet Member mentioned the Mental Health Partnership Board, which had now had a few meetings and was in the process of agreeing its terms of reference. The Cabinet Member agreed to share the terms of reference with the Select Committee and to report back to the Select Committee on the progress made by the Board as part of the next update report on the Mental Health Task Group recommendations.

8.    A Member asked whether the two wards that had been worked on at the Abraham Cowley Unit of St Peter’s Hospital had now been completed. The Head of Mental Health Commissioning said that environmental improvement work on two wards had been completed, and work had begun on the third and final ward.

Recommendations:

The Select Committee:

1.    Notes the significant work underway to implement the recommendations set out in the Mental Health Task Group;

2.    Recognises the role of Priority 2 of the Health and Wellbeing Strategy, and the newly established Mental Health Partnership Board, in continuing to progress the mental health agenda, including the Mental Health Task Group recommendations;

3.    Requests an update on the activity of the Mental Health Partnership Board in the next Mental Health Task Group recommendations update report.

Actions/further information to be provided:

1.    The Cabinet Member for Adults, Public Health and Domestic Abuse is to update the Select Committee on the mental health awareness training offer for Members;

2.    The Cabinet Member for Adults, Public Health and Domestic Abuse is to share with the Select Committee a copy of the terms of reference for the Mental Health Partnership Board, once agreed.