Agenda item

The Chairperson welcomed Kate Burton CAMHS Manager and Dr Tony Munoz Consultant Psychiatrist, Louise Mann Assistant Director

Quality, Safety & Safeguarding and Sian Lewis Managing Director Welsh Health Specialised Services to the meeting and invited them to present their report to members.

The Director Children’s Services opened with the report which provided information in relation to Children’s Services interaction with the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) in the context of two prior presentations by CAMHS at previous Scrutiny meetings in March and Council in June 2021.  Colleagues at the Health Board then gave members a presentation which detailed the key services available and the areas identified for improvement and how these were being progressed.

Questions 18:10 MP

The CAMHS Manager advised of a website called Couth.com, this has an option to choose RCT as an area and was very proactive with linking in with schools.  She added that engagement with schools does take time.  She further added that the website has interactive sessions and information sharing of promotional material.  She clarified that they were based in the UK, and were aware that they need to increase their welsh language options to ensure equal accessibility in Wales. 

The Chairperson stated it was a concern of hers at the lack of Welsh Language information that was available from the company. The CAMHS Manager reassured that they are actively developing this area. 

A Member stated that the Crisis team provides cover to patients between the hours of 9AM – 9PM but was aware that this cover wasn’t enough as this was then putting pressure on A&E departments as they were available 24 hours a day.   He also asked if there were mental health professionals available at the A&E departments to provide out of hours care.

The CAMHS manager replied that there were mental health specialists at the A&E departments, however, if they were not available they would call the crisis teams if required.  The medics on call are psychiatrists and consultants.   She added that it was recognised that it is a pressure on A&E and they were working together on a solution.

A member asked what the uptake of Couth.com was.  They asked if there was a place for online platforms supporting younger people. 

The CAMHS Manager replied that the perception was that there was wider pressures on girls from society and the way they express themselves.  We would look at their specific needs when they are presented and tailor a package of support for them.

A member also asked if more information could be provided to members as to why more girls were suffering from mental health issues. A Member also suggested that the website should be easier to navigate, as not all young people would know that they live in the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Health Board area.

The CAMHS Manager advised that access to Couth was through a website where users would select their health board area and gain access to the support.  She advised that it was targeted towards 11-19 year olds and was promoted through secondary schools.  In relation to the she advised that they will shortly start receiving quarterly reports.  She recognised that it will take time for young people to be fully aware of the support available to them but this is something that would be continually developed.  She reassured members that this was not an alternative to treatment but another platform of support as it was recognised that some young people prefer to engage in this way.

A Member asked for comments on the points raised by report by the Local Authority regarding the delays in Neurodevelopmental (ND) assessments. 

The CAMHS Manager commented that there will be an increased focus on collaboration and more integrated ways of working and ensure that all agencies are working together and make relationships stronger. She added that they were also currently developing a piece of work to develop a better service for secure residential care for young people.  

Dr Anthony Munoz from CAMHS advised that there had been some changes to staffing in the ND service which was being monitored.  He added that monthly meeting were taking place to discuss children and young people that have home tuition and/or attend college.  He added they were keen to cover as much of the wider population as possible.

A Member asked what the triage service involved.  Whether it was face to face, online or telephone appointments. 

The CAMHS Manager responded that it was a telephone triage which is staffed by RNS.  She added that they will identify the challenges and urgency of each individual immediately following a referral which was followed by a three week wait for an assessment which is currently undertaken via video call.  She added this is reviewed frequently and in line with current restrictions.  

The Chairperson thanked the officers from CAMHS for attending the meeting and providing information to members.

RESOLVED: Members noted the report and requested to receive a presentation/ report as information before March 2022