Agenda item

To receive a presentation from Andrew Wright (Director of Planning and Partnerships) and Dr Pardeep Grewal (Clinical Director of Mental Health Services-Enfield) from the Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health Trust

Andrew Wright and Pardeep Grewal provided an update on the Covid-19 response from the Barnet Enfield and Haringey Mental Health Trust (BEH MHT).

1)    The presentation highlighted the current position, the transformation of services through the pandemic and plans for future service provision.

2)    The Trust were well prepared for the current wave, following the initial outbreak last year.

3)    BEH MHT have supported acute trusts by providing a number of step-down beds for respiratory patients at Chase Farm Hospital.

4)    Approximately one third of staff have been vaccinated to date and the vaccination programme continues.

5)    The overall number of patients has not increased dramatically, however there is an increase in the number of patients presenting in crisis (compared to last year).

6)    There is a system in place for managing Covid-19 patients within distinct wards.

7)    The resilience of staff is being tested but the Trust management are supporting staff as appropriate. There is support for BAME staff and others at high risk through formal risk assessments and the launch of a new inclusion programme.

8)    The crisis team and community team have worked hard to keep people out of hospital, including young people and the very old.

9)     Although there have been many challenges, it is possible to identify a number of successes which will inform and improve future service provision; digital technology supporting more flexible working for staff; working in partnership to support other local hospital trusts.

10)Coming out of the National Long -Term Plan is some key investment for mental health services. There will be significant investment over the next 3 years which will result in a levelling up of resources across North Central London, which will benefit Enfield.

11)There are 2 aspects to the additional investment i) Community Mental Health Services will employ an additional 100 staff ii) The crisis offer will be strengthened. Both aspects will reduce the demand for in-patient beds by providing greater service provision in the community.

The Cllr Smith thanked Andrew Wright and Pardeep Grewal for a very clear and succinct presentation. The Chair asked Members for any comments or questions.

12)In response to a question concerning mental health issues resulting from social isolation and the strain on future service provision, it was noted that the impact is most likely to be felt within psychological/talking therapy areas.

13)Pockets of deprivation in the east of the borough are likely to see a negative impact of social isolation. The impact on vulnerable young people will not be evident for some years to come.

14)It was noted that there is a critical relationship between services such as the local authority schools service and the BEH MHT as part of an integrated provision.

15)Just over a third of the 3,700 staff have been vaccinated and issues around staff being reluctant to have a vaccine are being addressed. Absence rates for general sickness are no different but in Enfield, its below average but much higher in other specific service areas.

16)Reluctance to receive a vaccination is an issue, especially within the African Community and further work is needed to encourage greater take-up. The aim is to have all BEH MHT staff vaccinated.

17)In congratulating the Trust for all their valuable work, it was recognised that fatigue is now an issue.

18)It was noted that acute trusts now have protocols in place for testing when a patient leaves hospital to return to a care home. This is not such an issue for the Mental Health Trust.

19)It was confirmed that the additional funding referred to would amount to £10m over 3 years across the 3 boroughs.

The Chair noted all the valuable work the trust are doing for the people of Enfield and looked forward to an improved and increasingly funded service.