Issue - meetings

(i)          to approve the re-provisioning of the balance of accommodation for people with mental health and substance misuse issues from residential care to support living services;

(ii)        to approve the ongoing exploration of all identified options in para 3.4; and

(iii)       to wish Claire Wilkie well on her retirement.

The Board had before it a report by Claire Wilkie (Service Manager, Mental Health and Substance Misuse, ACHSCP) which outlined the challenges related to the re-provision of care, with particular focus on the housing element, and to provide options for approval.

That the Board –

(a)           Approve the re-provisioning of the balance of accommodation for people with mental health and substance misuse issues from residential care to support living services; and

(b)           Approve the ongoing exploration of all identified options in para 3.4.

Alex Stephen advised that the Strategic Planning Group had oversight of mental health commissioning but the development of options for re-provision of care may depend on areas out with the Partnership’s control such as the availability of land and facilities; and engagement with external providers.

Thereafter there were questions and comments on (1) the cost implications of providing out of area placements; (2) the wider use of housing tenures such as sheltered housing to enhance supportive living; (3) the extent of consultation with carers and the family network when taking decisions on the care and housing needs of patients with complex mental health issues; (4) the level of assurances offered by the Partnership to external providers to ensure they built or operated a health and social care facility in line with the Board’s strategic commissioning intentions; and (5) the importance of having appropriate placement programmes in place for vulnerable patients.

The Board resolved:-

(i)         to approve the recommendations; and

(ii)        to wish Claire Wilkie well on her retirement.