Agenda item

Report of the Director of Operations – Durham & Darlington, Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust

The Director of Operations Durham and Darlington, Tees, Esk and Wear Valley NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV) submitted a report (previously circulated) providing Members with details of the Recovery/’Build Back Better’ plans.

It was reported that when the pandemic started, TEWV changed the way they delivered their services, with a focus on remote delivery via telephone or a digital platform; that memory clinics and autism diagnoses were paused at the start of the pandemic but were now being revisited; and TEWV were working to plan for Phase 3 and 4 of the pandemic.

Details were provided of the work undertaken in relation to developing plans; a model was being developed to forecast for the expected increased COVID-19 related demand for services; along with a backlog of clinical activity; exacerbation and relapse of mental health conditions; and long term impact of socioeconomic consequences. A Health Impact Assessment was being finalised and would provide a system-wide picture of the possible impact of Covid and lockdown on the local Darlington community.

Discussion ensued on the need for increased budgets for mental health services in the town; support for children of primary and secondary ages; and Members were advised of the plans for increased resources in schools, including mental health workers.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.