Agenda item

The Chair welcomed to the meeting Mr Richard Jones, Head of Clinical Innovation & Strategy with the Hywel Dda University Health Board who had been invited to give a presentation on Transforming Mental Health Services.

The Committee was advised that the Hywel Dda University Health Board has, in consultation with partners, produced a closing report following the conclusion of the consultation process in relation to the transformation of mental health services across the Hywel Dda footprint. 

The report consolidates the work undertaken as part of formal engagement, options development and consultation (stage 1 of the consultation process).  It aimed to provide assurance of compliance with the Ministerial Guidance for Health Boards on engagement and consultation with particular focus on stage 2 of the consultation process - the formal consultation.  It also detailed the process undertaken to give conscious consideration to the consultation feedback received and outlined the revised proposal recommendations, including a high level draft implementation plan.

The following questions/observations were raised on the report:-

·       Concern was expressed over the immense pressure faced by teenagers in the 6^th form at school and the importance was stressed of the need to reach out to help this group as they are often missed.  The Head of Mental Health & Learning Disabilities explained that in relation to this particular group national group is undertaking a piece of work on suicide and self-harm. The national group has a number of regional forums and Carmarthenshire is a member of the Mid and West Wales Regional Forum which is about to publish a strategy on suicide and self-harm;

·       Officers were asked about the current position with regard to waiting lists and the Committee was informed that waiting times continue to be an issue, however, the numbers are coming down;

·       Asked whether any work is being done in relation to the link between mental health and homelessness, the Head of Mental Health & Learning Disabilities informed the Committee that officers from her division have worked with colleagues in the Housing division to ensure that homelessness and mental health is a priority in the Housing Strategy;

·       Reference was made to the fact that the Chief Constable has a responsibility for mental health throughout the police force and at a recent seminar the Chief Constable stated that the police do a lot of work in relation to mental health and that only 20% of their work is to do with crime and it was felt that this illustrates the challenge facing us all.  The Head of Mental Health & Learning Disabilities informed the Committee that the Authority and Police meet together as part of a Forum and they work together more and more;

·       Asked what is being done to improve the issues being experienced with transport, the Committee was informed that the West Wales Action For Mental Health Group has come up with some proposals may be of assistance.  Officers are currently examining a whole range of options;

·       Asked what initiatives are being put in place to attract specialists to the county, the Committee was informed that this is becoming increasingly difficult in all areas, not just in Carmarthenshire.  Better use is being made of other media streams such as social media.  Reference was made to the fact that Scotland is successful in attracting specialists and the Committee was reminded that there is an difficulty in Wales with the requirement for Welsh speakers.

RESOLVED

5.1     that the report be received;

5.2     that the Committee receive a report on the initiatives the Authority           has in place to safeguard teenagers at a future meeting of the           Committee to which the Education & Children Scrutiny Committee           be invited to attend;

5.3     that the Committee receive a report on Country Cars at a future           meeting.