Involving stakeholders in mental health services
Context
The joint commissioning strategy for mental health recognised that mental health is not just a healthcare issue, but rather one that requires a strategic approach which includes the wider health services, local authorities, employers education and criminal justice agencies.
The strategy describes how we will aim to influence organisations that are statutory, voluntary or independent as well as local communities and individuals that work towards a society that values mental well-being as much as physical health” and outlines the benefits of reducing the burden of mental illness and unlocking the benefits of well-being in terms of physical health, educational attainment, employment and reduced crime.
Developing an individual approach
The care for people with mental health needs to be personal to that individual, their family and their mental health needs. This approach focuses on the personalisation agenda, self directed support, recovery services and enhances the choice of interventions of the person into their recovery plan. It builds on the belief that people who have a mental health breakdown can manage the effect their condition has on their life, with support from services. It is the task of services to be responsive to people’s individual choices and aspirations.
Working differently
We want people to have open access to primary care mental health services and that these services will work in practice based commissioning localities with colleagues from primary and social care. These professional can refer on to their colleagues in specialist services when the need arises for ongoing specialist treatment under the requirements of the Care Programme Approach (CPA). This approach requires greater flexibility and joined up working with many different services from professionals.
Working together
The organisations responsible for this strategy are
- NHS Bournemouth and Poole, who are responsible for commissioning health services for those patients registered with a General Practitioner within those localities
- NHS Dorset, who are responsible for commissioning health services for those patients registered with a General Practitioner within Dorset
- Bournemouth Borough Council, who are responsible for the social care of the residents of Bournemouth
- Dorset County Council, who are responsible for the social care of the residents of Dorset
- Borough of Poole, who are responsible for the social care of the residents of Poole
Engaging stakeholders
In delivering the actions required to implement the strategy, we are committed to engaging with users, carers, representatives and other stakeholders to ensure that the services commissioned are patient centred. There are three key areas of work over the coming months and these are
- Older people’s mental health
- Mental health access and wellbeing
- Urgent care services for west Dorset
Detailed engagement plans are being developed for each of these areas and the involvement of users will be key. Anyone interested in being involved in the engagement process should email mental.health@bp-pct.nhs.uk
