Agenda item

It was noted that the report contained a significant amount of information.  Progress had been made with regard to the KOOTH online counselling service which targeted young people that would not normally access traditional face-to-face services.  It had provided a good demographic mix and everyone that had used the KOOTH service, predominantly those aged 14-18, would recommend it to their peers. 

Further improvements had been made in relation to THRIVE, with plans to extend innovations within schools.  A more positive picture had been produced over the last year with regard to children and young people’s mental health with the 18 week target being met in this quarter.  However, it would be important to maintain the momentum, through initiatives such as a single point of access, as it was anticipated that there would be a 15.9% increase in this group. 

Concern was expressed regarding the effectiveness of the preventative offer and whether gaps remained in the service provision.  It was noted that the 18 week wait was a very long time and the Board queried whether this length of time meant that individuals’ mental health deteriorated to such an extent that they were beyond preventative and outreach support.  Dr Goodman acknowledged that this did seem like a long time but advised that there was a significant variation in the conditions supported which could range from eating disorders to self harm.  He noted that most of the issues were generally picked up through schools rather than through a medical process but that more could be done to publicise the services on offer (which was a slow process).  Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust had been putting more resources in place but there had been a challenge regarding recruitment.  It was suggested that consideration be given to managing resources differently as the 18 week wait was less than ideal.

Although schools welcomed support, only half of the referrals made to the Child Wellbeing Practitioner Service had proceeded.  Consideration would need to be given as to whether this system was targeting appropriately or whether the expectations of the education system were too high.  Dr Goodman confirmed that this would be investigated and feedback would be provided. 

It was noted that there had been a push recently to reduce the 18 week waiting time to four weeks but that consideration was being given to what this would mean in practice.  There were still issues with regard to children and young people being stuck in the system which prevented new referrals and this would also need to be investigated.  The Board was advised that the waiting list was regularly reviewed and triaged weekly to ensure that other services were offered where needed but it was confirmed that more action needed to be undertaken with regard to preventative measures. 

RESOLVED:  That the Health and Wellbeing Board noted the progress made:

1.    in the approval and submission of the annual refresh of the Hillingdon Children and Young People’s Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing Local Transformation Plan to NHSE for assurance on 31 October 2018.  The plan will be published in January 2019, when the assurance process is complete.

2.    in developing the local offer available for CYP and families in ‘Getting Advice’ and ‘Getting Help’ (building resilience and early intervention and prevention), particularly the progress made in establishing the new on-line counselling service KOOTH and the continued engagement of schools by the Wellbeing and Mental Health project in schools, which is developing a model of best practice and a compendium of resources to support all schools in the Borough.

3.    in the sustained improvement in increased access for CYP in ‘Getting More Help’ and ‘Getting Risk Support’ shown in the performance data from CCG and NHS commissioned services. 

4.    in the continued engagement and consultation with Hillingdon Young Healthwatch and Children and Young People in developing local services.