Agenda item

To receive a report from the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development introducing a summary paper in relation to Leeds’ Mental Health Framework (2014-2017).

The Head of Scrutiny and Member Development submitted a report introducing a summary paper in relation to Leeds’ Mental Health Framework (2014 – 2017). 

The following representatives were in attendance:

·  Liane Langdon (Director of Commissioning and Strategic Development) – NHS Leeds North CCG

·  Jane Williams (Strategic Commissioning Lead – Mental Health) – NHS Leeds North CCG

·  Victoria Eaton (Consultant in Public Health) – Leeds City Council

·  Mick Ward (Head of Commissioning (Adult Social Care) – Leeds City Council)

The Director of Commissioning and Strategic Development gave a brief outline of the report and the process for developing the draft framework to date.  As part of the introduction, a number of points were highlighted, including:

·  The role of the Mental Health Partnership Board in developing the draft framework.

·  One of the aims of the Mental Health Framework was to help inform the transformation over the coming 12 months.

·  A significant challenge was around parity of esteem between mental health and physical needs/ care.

·  Recent planning guidance from NHS England had identified ‘parity of esteem’ in relation to mental health services.  In response, contracts were being developed to include clauses to ensure NHS service providers adopted the principles of parity of esteem.

Members of the Scrutiny Board reflected on the details presented and raised a number of specific matters, including:

·  The mental health needs (including transition) of Children and Young People insufficiently reflected in the framework;

·  Leeds Mental Health Needs Assessment highlighted that 50% of mental health issues occur before 14 years of age.

·  Partnership arrangements and associated governance.

·  Wider determinants / contributors of mental ill-health.

·  Despite an increased focus on improving mental health, demand for services appeared to be rising.

·  Current baseline information in order to help identify the direction of travel and impact of the Mental Health Framework sometime in the future.

·  Relationships with Community Committees and identified priority areas.

·  Personalised health budgets – specifically in relation to helping to address mental health needs.

·  The work and role of Third Sector organisations.

·  Waiting times for diagnosis and treatment, including how these related/ compared to physical health needs.

·  Prevalence of mental ill-health across different communities.

·  The likely reduction in the bed-base to reflect the shift in the model of care (i.e. a greater focus of recovery and rehabilitation).

·  How Leeds’ draft framework reflected the detail of the ‘Closing the Gap’ report (published January 2014). 

Through the discussion and responses provided, members identified a range of additional information to be provided, including:

·  A copy of the ‘Whole Life Course’ (covering children and adults), presented to the Health and Wellbeing Board.

·  Details of the Mental Health Partnership Board and its associated governance arrangements.

·  Details of current performance (including referral / waiting times) associated with mental health service provision.

·  Associated action plans to support the delivery of the Leeds Mental Health Framework and specifically reflecting the requirements of the ‘Closing the Gap’ report (published in January 2014).

RESOLVED –

(a)  To note the report and the information presented and discussed at the meeting.

(b)  To request the additional information (noted above) identified during the discussion.

(c)  To give further consideration to the Mental Health Framework, with a particular focus on supporting action plans, at the Scrutiny Board meeting in January 2015.

In conclusion, the Chair thanked those in attendance for their contribution to the discussion.