Agenda item

Presentation by the General Manager – Durham and Tees Valley Community CAMHS, Tees, Esk and Wear Valley NHS Foundation Trust

The General Manager – Durham and Tees Valley Community CAMHS submitted a presentation (previously circulated) updating Members on the Children and Young People’s Services in Darlington.

It was reported that work in the Children and Young People’s Services in Darlington was being progressed under three key areas, patient experience, workforce and service delivery; and the main developments in each area were outlined.

Reference was made to the recent CQC report published in September 2022 following the inspection in July 2022; Members were informed of the improvement in the ‘Safe’ rating for the service, the evidence of positive changes were outlined and it was acknowledged that further improvements were still required.

Details were provided of the wait times to assessment and treatment for non-neuro referrals; wait time for specialist neuro assessment; and the next steps were outlined.

Members raised concern regarding services for children with autism; the General Manager Durham and Tees Valley Community CAMHS informed Members of the range of services commissioned for children with autism; and discussion ensued regarding plans for reducing wait times.

Following a question regarding lived experience, Members were advised that a young person with lived experience had been employed to lead on co-creation with young people and worked closely with the parent/carer forum in Darlington; and Members were informed of the intention to employ peer support workers.

Discussion also ensued regarding capacity and demand for services and the Keeping In Touch (KIT) process.

RESOLVED – (a) That the General Manager – Durham and Tees Valley Community CAMHS be thanked for his informative presentation.

(b) That Members receive further updates on autism-specific services for Darlington residents and the process for contacting residents on the waiting list/keeping in touch.