Agenda item - Covid 19 and Mental Health

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Agenda item

Covid 19 and Mental Health

Presentation from Brighton & Hove CCG on the impact of the Covid crisis on mental health in the city and on the steps that the local health and care system is taking to address additional demand.

Minutes:

23.1    This item was presented by Ashley Scarff, Deputy Managing Director, Brighton & Hove CCG. Mr Scarff outlined the measures being taken to address additional demand for mental health services arising from the Covid emergency and answered members’ questions.

 

23.2    The Chair asked a question about patient reaction to the increased reliance on digital consultation and treatment in response to the Covid emergency. Ashley Scarff responded that, although some patients had initially expressed reservations about the move to digital, there has generally been positive feedback. However, it is recognised that digital is not appropriate for everyone, and that face-to-face interactions should be an option where possible.

 

23.2    Cllr McNair asked a question about recruitment to the mental health workforce. Mr Scarff responded that there is a constant process of recruiting for mental health. There are challenges in certain workforce areas.

 

23.3    Cllr Grimshaw noted with concern a recent incident where a local patient was admitted to an acute mental health in-patient bed in Darlington because no provision was available more locally. Mr Scarff responded that the system is working hard to place as many patients as possible in Sussex acute beds, for example by buying-in additional private sector capacity. However, the system is currently under intense pressure due to Covid, and it is sometimes necessary to use out of area provision. It should also be recognised that some specialist bedded services operate on a large geographic footprint because demand is too low to support localised provision. Therefore, some patients may need to be placed out of area to receive the appropriate level of specialist care. 

 

23.4    Fran McCabe noted that Healthwatch have had increased contacts from students whose mental health is suffering due to having to self-isolate and work remotely. Mr Scarff agreed that this was an important point and one he would take up.

 

23.5    Cllr Brennan made several points about mental health services:

 

·         Query whether we genuinely have the parity between physical and mental health services that the Government has promised.

 

·         That access to the mental health crisis line is not as easy as it should be.

 

·         That there are problems accessing services for anxiety, with excessive waits.

 

·         That out of hours mental health services need to be more responsive.

 

Mr Scarff agreed to consider all of these points and incorporate into future HOSC scrutiny of mental health.

 

23.6    The Chair thanked Mr Scarff for his contribution, noting that this was an area that the HOSC would need to keep monitoring.

 

 

 


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