Review of urgent mental health services across Lancashire and South Cumbria
Since early 2018 there has been a significant increase in the demand for mental health services across Lancashire and South Cumbria.
The increase in demand has led to people waiting too long for admission to hospital and has also had an impact on the ambulance service and police.
On behalf of all partners, including NHS, local authority, voluntary and charity organisations, police and other emergency services, Healthier Lancashire and South Cumbria commissioned an independent review of urgent mental health services. This is because it was clear that no single organisation could provide a solution on its own.
Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, a mental health care provider recognised as ‘outstanding’ led the review. They spoke to 100 service users and carers, 105 members of staff, 50 GPs and more than 60 staff from voluntary, community and faith organisations.
The final report can be viewed and downloaded by clicking the button below as well as the Stakeholder Briefing and a summary of the report.
In response to the urgent review, a Mental Health Improvement Board was established reporting into the Integrated Care System Board. In December 2019, it was agreed that the mental health improvements which had been made by partners across Lancashire and South Cumbria in response to the review resulted in the Improvement Board being stepped down.
Mental health improvements in Lancashire and South Cumbria continue to be considered as a partnership through a number of decision making groups, committees and Boards including the Lancashire and South Cumbria Strategic Commissioning Committee.