Agenda item

The Committee considered a report of the Director of Operations, Durham and Darlington, Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust that outlined the next stages of the crisis service (for copy see file of Minutes).

The Director of Operations advised that face to face consultations would still take place at Lanchester Road but that a better triage telephone system would be in place which would allow follow up calls and free up clinical time.  The crisis house in Shildon would close and the money would be re-invested into in house treatment staff.  Seven additional support workers would be employed to provide community based provision.

Mrs Hassoon was concerned if people were not well enough to travel to either facility.  She asked if the additional members of staff were qualified or healthcare assistants as she was also concerned about medication being prescribed by an appropriate person.  The Director of Operations advised that there would be no changes to the face to face appointments at Lanchester Road or West Road.  With regards to transport these concerns could be discussed with staff and if it was deemed not appropriate or safe for a patient to travel then a visit would be arranged.  The additional staff would be healthcare assistants and would support the more stable patients, with the existing qualified staff treating those patients in crisis.  A risk assessment tool was used.

Councillor Bell welcomed a report regarding West Lane Hospital and would support the proposals put forward today.

The Principal Overview and Scrutiny Officer clarified that the report was for the committee to note and comment upon and that the single service approach would be co-ordinated into a formal response to TEWV from the committee.

Resolved:

That the report be noted.