PRESENT: Councillor Wilson in the chair.
Councillors Mrs Bromby (vice-chair), Cawsey, Eckhardt, N Sherwood, Simpson and Whiteley.
Councillor Bainbridge attended the meting in accordance with Procedure Rule 37(b).
Also in attendance: Mrs A Dunkerley and Mr P Bacon (Parent Governor Representatives)
The panel met at Pittwood House, Scunthorpe.
34 DECLARATIONS - OF PERSONAL OR PERSONAL AND PREJUDICIAL INTERESTS AND DECLARATIONS OF WHIPPING ARRANGEMENTS (IF ANY) - There were no declarations of personal or personal and prejudicial interests.
No whip was declared.
35 PUBLIC REQUESTS TO SPEAK – There were no requests received
36 POLICY REVIEW – CHILD AND ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES (CAMHS) – To interview the Chief Executive of North Lincolnshire Primary Care Trust (PCT) and North Lincolnshire Council Deputy Chief Executive – Individuals. The panel welcomed Allison Cooke and Richard Stiff to the meeting, together with Helen Varey, Chairman of North Lincolnshire PCT.
Allison Cooke and Richard Stiff were provided with a brief outline of the work that had recently been undertaken by the Children and Young People Scrutiny Panel and an explanation as to where the panel now stood with this review. Allison was invited to address the panel on the PCT’s current position with CAMHS services.
Allison explained that the PCT was aware of the shortfalls in service provision for specialist CAMHS within North Lincolnshire, and confirmed that the PCT did not commission specific services, targeted at each tier. At present she confirmed that there was a significant gap within the provision, with only tier 3 being provided.
The panel was advised that a CAMHS strategy had been agreed, however there had been little headway with the implementation of recommendations or identification of gaps. She confirmed that a new project manager’s post had recently been approved to oversee these changes, advertisements had been placed for this post and the appointment would be made shortly.
Richard Stiff reaffirmed that this was a joint strategy. He confirmed that commissioning was a critical missing element and it was hoped that the appointment of the project manager would move the strategy forward with improvements being made to waiting times and also work on the recommendations highlighted in the Joint Area Review (JAR).
The panel engaged in further discussion with Allison, Richard and Helen Varey and highlighted the concerns over a lack of tier 2 service provision, the lack of referral systems for Head Teachers/ Special Education Needs Co-ordinator’s (SENCO’s) and also the lack of school nurses within the area, which did not even meet half the recommended requirement.It was explained that there was a definite need for clear referral pathways to CAMHS services, an improvement in the waiting times and also assessment to be available for the low/medium risk cases rather than the problems being allowed to escalate to high risk.
Acknowledgement was given to the in depth research that had been undertaken by the panel, the feedback that had been obtained and how the conclusions that had been drawn up corresponded with shortfalls in service provision that the PCT was aware of.
It was concluded that maintaining a good working relationship with Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber Mental Health NHS Foundation (RdaSH) was necessary to achieve an effective and comprehensive CAMHS service within North Lincolnshire.
Resolved – That Allison Cooke, Helen Varey and Richard Stiff be thanked for their attendance at the meeting and their valuable contribution.
37 NEXT STAGES OF THE REVIEW – It was confirmed by the Service Director Legal and Democratic, that the draft report for the review of CAMHS within North Lincolnshire, would be made available at the next meeting of the Children and Young People Scrutiny panel.
Resolved – (a) That the position be noted and, (b) that Mick Gibbs, Head of Children and Family Services, North Lincolnshire Council be thanked for his valuable assistance throughout the review.
38 CONSIDERATION OF NEXT REVIEW SUBJECT – The panel engaged in discussion as to what topics could be recommended for future review. No decision was reached and members were asked to give the matter consideration for the next meeting.
The panel agreed that it would be helpful to receive further information on the Children’s Board and Trust.
Resolved – That Richard Stiff, North Lincolnshire Council Deputy Chief Executive – Individuals be invited to the next meeting to provide further insight into the Children’s Board and the Children’s Trust.
39 (4) LEADER OF THE COUNCIL'S FORWARD PLAN – MAY TO AUGUST 2008 - The Service Director Legal and Democratic circulated the Leader of North Lincolnshire Council's Forward Plan for May to August 2008.
The plan contained details of all matters and issues likely to be the subject of key decisions for a period of the next four months, updated on a monthly basis. Members discussed various items on the Forward Plan.
Resolved – That the position be noted.