Agenda item

An update from Leicestershire Partnership Trust (LPT) on change in demand for Adult Mental Health Services and the response

The Board received a presentation providing an overview of adult mental health services across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

It was noted that:

·       There had been a continued rise in demand for secondary mental health services, with increasing system pressure particularly at the acute end.

·       Referrals had increased, with more individuals presenting with complex needs, including dual diagnosis.

·       Demand had significantly increased following the Covid 19 pandemic and had not plateaued.

·       Inpatient services were under sustained pressure, with beds consistently at full capacity, impacting staff morale and resulting in delays for admission.

·       Individuals were often waiting longer for admission due to limited bed availability and capacity constraints.

·       A clinical triage approach was in place to manage demand, with calls received from both professionals and patients, enabling appropriate assessment and support.

·       Whilst some individuals were being safely managed outside of secondary care, overall demand across the system continued to rise.

·       Home treatment services were in place to support individuals in crisis and reduce the need for admission, however pressures remained across acute pathways.

·       Investment had been made in neighbourhood mental health services to improve access and provide support at an earlier stage.

·       Workforce shortages across the system continued to impact service delivery and capacity.

·       Housing challenges were a significant factor, with some individuals experiencing delays in discharge due to a lack of suitable accommodation and unsafe discharge options.

·       Work to date had included strengthening triage and front door pathways, alongside quality improvement activity.

·       Future priorities included addressing capacity constraints, workforce development, improving environments and exploring new roles within the workforce.

·       There was a need to integrate pathways, improve joint planning, invest further in early intervention and prevention, and strengthen data sharing across partners.

In response to questions and comments from members, it was noted that:

·       Reducing stigma and encouraging people to seek support earlier had contributed to increased demand, highlighting the importance of prevention and early intervention.

·       Individuals with serious mental health conditions experienced significant health inequalities, and there were opportunities to improve both mental and physical health outcomes through earlier support.

·       The voluntary and community sector had an important role in providing accessible, community based support, and further investment in these services could help reduce pressure on primary and secondary care.

·       There was a need to improve the use of data to better understand demand, service pressures and outcomes, particularly at neighbourhood level.

·       Although inpatient admissions had reduced slightly, occupancy rates had increased, reflecting higher levels of acuity and complexity among those requiring admission.

·       Lengths of stay varied, with some individuals requiring longer periods of treatment due to complex needs, while others experienced delays in discharge due to non-clinical factors such as housing.

·       Workforce challenges remained a key issue across the system.

·       Opportunities were identified to strengthen partnership working and improve coordination between services, including links with neighbourhood approaches and digital tools for signposting.

·       Progress had been made in children and young people’s mental health services, with reductions in waiting times, and there were opportunities to apply learning across adult services.

·       The importance of strengthening early intervention, prevention and community based provision, including crisis cafes, was emphasised.

AGREED:

1.     That the update be noted.

2.     That further information, including relevant research and data relating to demand, early intervention and prevention, be shared with the Chair.