Agenda item - Update on changes to city acute in-patient dementia bed provision

Report of the Chair of the Health Overview & Scrutiny Committee (copy attached).

8.1      This item was presented by John Child, Chief Operating Officer; and by Laura Murphy, Divisional Director of Nursing & Quality, Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (SPFT).

8.2      Mr Child explained the rationale for closing inpatient acute mental health beds in Brighton & Hove, telling the committee that city demographics meant that the bed space was better used for acute mental health beds, with dementia bed needs to be met by units in Uckfield and Worthing and by investment in community services. Mr Child told members that:

·       Brunswick Ward (Mill View) had closed on October 2024

·       Palmeira Ward opened in May 2025

·       Drop-in sessions were held for families and carers potentially impacted by the move of dementia beds. There has been regular contact with families throughout the process

·       Family concerns about additional travel are acknowledged and there has been work undertaken to ensure that travel support options are well signposted

·       Affected staff have been kept informed throughout as have the relevant Trade Unions. Most staff have opted to continue working at Mill View

·       Work is ongoing to strengthen community dementia services across East Sussex, with an emphasis on admission avoidance

·       Since the changes have taken place, average length of stay in acute inpatient dementia beds has reduced

·       Since the changes have taken place, social workers have reported increased travel times

·       Delays in discharge remain a major problem across acute mental health care. The average wait for discharge from acute dementia beds to residential care is around 20 days.

8.3      Members asked questions about issues including: virtual mental health wards; health inequalities; care for people with dementia on general wards; respite services for carers; delays in sharing the Quality Impact Assessment on the changes with the committee; trauma-informed practice; and preventative approaches to dementia care.

8.4      RESOLVED – that the report be noted.