John Haines
PFD Report
Partially Responded
Ref: 2017-0402
Coroner's Concerns (AI summary)
Mental health inpatients and those supported by Home Treatment Teams lack timely access to qualified psychological therapy, a repeated concern due to commissioning issues and long waiting lists.
View full coroner's concerns
1. During the course of the evidence it became apparent that mental health in-patients still do not have access to therapy from a qualified Psychologist, despite the fact that this has been raised in previous Regulation 28 PFD Forms. Notably, all clinicians were of the professional view that psychological therapy was critical to treatment, alongside psychiatric care.
2. Similarly, patients cannot access a qualified Psychologist whilst under the care of the Home Treatment Team (HTT’) etc. The only way for patients to get access to a Psychologist is through referral to ‘Healthy Minds’. Health Minds cannot provide access where the patient remains under the care of the HTT etc.
3. Timely access to Healthy Minds is also hindered by long waiting times. I understand that the provision of Psychology services is entirely a matter for Commissioners.
2. Similarly, patients cannot access a qualified Psychologist whilst under the care of the Home Treatment Team (HTT’) etc. The only way for patients to get access to a Psychologist is through referral to ‘Healthy Minds’. Health Minds cannot provide access where the patient remains under the care of the HTT etc.
3. Timely access to Healthy Minds is also hindered by long waiting times. I understand that the provision of Psychology services is entirely a matter for Commissioners.
Responses
Noted
HMR CCG acknowledges concerns about access to psychological therapy and Healthy Minds, explaining investment decisions and waiting time performance. They note a new Primary Care Mental Health Pathway was commissioned in 2016/17. (AI summary)
HMR CCG acknowledges concerns about access to psychological therapy and Healthy Minds, explaining investment decisions and waiting time performance. They note a new Primary Care Mental Health Pathway was commissioned in 2016/17. (AI summary)
View full response
(ece &IV6 Fi’i:l Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Clinical Commissioning Group Postal address: NI-IS HMR CCG P0 Box 100 Rochdale 0L16 9NP Location address: Number One Riverside Smith Street Rochdale Lancashire 0L16 IXLJ Tel: 01706652203 hrcçgsafeguardinjinhs net Response in relation to the death of John Haines and subsequent Reciulation 28
1. During the course of treatment it became apparent that mental health in-patients still do not have access to therapy from a qualified Psychologist, despite the fact it had been raised in previous Regulation 28 PFD forms: HMR CCG acknowledges the statement above In the period 2016-2017 there was investment from HMR CCG as part of the safer staffing initiative. These monies were allocated and autonomy given to the wards as to how they were spent based on need and existing and establishments. Bury has some Psychological therapy provision on the inpatient wards and HMR have recruited a qualified Psychologists to deliver therapy in the inpatient setting. The decision was reached after analysis of the services provided and where the gaps in staffing were. In Oldham however this analysis reached a different conclusion particularly in relation to acuity and complexity and the monies were allocated to provide band 2 staff and increase the administration function thus freeing up qualified staff to deliver treatment. This was based on the theory that fundamental ward staffing levels needed to be at an optimum level to ensure service delivery is of a high standard. At the current time the provision across all inpatient services is being looked at by the provider to ensure equitable provision for service users and staffing establishments that meet the safer staffing expectations (due to be had Winter 2017). These staffing establishments will be developed using the Nationally agreed safer staffing tool and review of sustainability within current budgets. In addition the Provider has advised the CCG that it is working to the CQC minimum quality standard offer.
2. Similarly patients cannot access a qualified psychologist whilst under the care of the Home Treatment Team (HTT) etc the only way a patient can get access to a psychologist is via referral to Healthy Minds. Healthy Minds cannot provide access where the patient remains under the care of HTT etc: This statement is true. However consideration needs to be given to the level of engagement which can be afforded by a patient with enduring mental health issues in a crisis to the service offered by Healthy Minds. This service would offer intervention for less severe and non-urgent mental health issues. With regards to the Home Treatment Team (HTT), the provider has an ongoing workstream in place regarding baselining current service provision against core fidelity requirements. This workstream is aligned to a broader Crisis and Acute Pathway workstream across provider and commissioner, and will support and inform locality developments including ‘Out of Hospital’ approaches. The ideal would be to keep and treat individuals within the community and to identify and meet their needs including psychology.
3. Timely access to Healthy Minds is hindered by long waiting times: The National standards are as follows -
• 75% of people access treatment within six weeks.
• 95% within 18 weeks. Waiting times for Healthy Minds in Oldham are detailed below:
• Between 93.2 and 98.2% of patients are seen (referral to treatment within 6 weeks)
• Between 99.1 and 100% of patients are seen (referral to treatment within 18 weeks)
• The average wait in weeks from referral to 1st appointment, in June 2017 was 2 weeks, current wait (November 17) is 1.4 weeks Indicators for HMR are detailed below Indicator 2016117 Year End Q1 17118 Average IAPT 6 week finished 79 82%
91.36% IAPT 6 week first
90.68%
71.67% IAPT 18 week finished
98.38%
98.77% IAPT 18 week first
99.14%
98.89% The CCG commissioned a new Primary Care Mental Health Pathway during 2016/17, which mobilised in May 2017. The model has been developed to respond to the local
population needs, preparing service users to access therapy in order to optimise recovery performance. The service is subject to robust a performance dependent payment framework which provides assurance of performance delivery. Karen Hurley Deputy Chief Officer and Executive Nurse Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Clinical Commissioning Group
1. During the course of treatment it became apparent that mental health in-patients still do not have access to therapy from a qualified Psychologist, despite the fact it had been raised in previous Regulation 28 PFD forms: HMR CCG acknowledges the statement above In the period 2016-2017 there was investment from HMR CCG as part of the safer staffing initiative. These monies were allocated and autonomy given to the wards as to how they were spent based on need and existing and establishments. Bury has some Psychological therapy provision on the inpatient wards and HMR have recruited a qualified Psychologists to deliver therapy in the inpatient setting. The decision was reached after analysis of the services provided and where the gaps in staffing were. In Oldham however this analysis reached a different conclusion particularly in relation to acuity and complexity and the monies were allocated to provide band 2 staff and increase the administration function thus freeing up qualified staff to deliver treatment. This was based on the theory that fundamental ward staffing levels needed to be at an optimum level to ensure service delivery is of a high standard. At the current time the provision across all inpatient services is being looked at by the provider to ensure equitable provision for service users and staffing establishments that meet the safer staffing expectations (due to be had Winter 2017). These staffing establishments will be developed using the Nationally agreed safer staffing tool and review of sustainability within current budgets. In addition the Provider has advised the CCG that it is working to the CQC minimum quality standard offer.
2. Similarly patients cannot access a qualified psychologist whilst under the care of the Home Treatment Team (HTT) etc the only way a patient can get access to a psychologist is via referral to Healthy Minds. Healthy Minds cannot provide access where the patient remains under the care of HTT etc: This statement is true. However consideration needs to be given to the level of engagement which can be afforded by a patient with enduring mental health issues in a crisis to the service offered by Healthy Minds. This service would offer intervention for less severe and non-urgent mental health issues. With regards to the Home Treatment Team (HTT), the provider has an ongoing workstream in place regarding baselining current service provision against core fidelity requirements. This workstream is aligned to a broader Crisis and Acute Pathway workstream across provider and commissioner, and will support and inform locality developments including ‘Out of Hospital’ approaches. The ideal would be to keep and treat individuals within the community and to identify and meet their needs including psychology.
3. Timely access to Healthy Minds is hindered by long waiting times: The National standards are as follows -
• 75% of people access treatment within six weeks.
• 95% within 18 weeks. Waiting times for Healthy Minds in Oldham are detailed below:
• Between 93.2 and 98.2% of patients are seen (referral to treatment within 6 weeks)
• Between 99.1 and 100% of patients are seen (referral to treatment within 18 weeks)
• The average wait in weeks from referral to 1st appointment, in June 2017 was 2 weeks, current wait (November 17) is 1.4 weeks Indicators for HMR are detailed below Indicator 2016117 Year End Q1 17118 Average IAPT 6 week finished 79 82%
91.36% IAPT 6 week first
90.68%
71.67% IAPT 18 week finished
98.38%
98.77% IAPT 18 week first
99.14%
98.89% The CCG commissioned a new Primary Care Mental Health Pathway during 2016/17, which mobilised in May 2017. The model has been developed to respond to the local
population needs, preparing service users to access therapy in order to optimise recovery performance. The service is subject to robust a performance dependent payment framework which provides assurance of performance delivery. Karen Hurley Deputy Chief Officer and Executive Nurse Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Clinical Commissioning Group
Sent To
- Bury, Rochdale & Oldham Clinical Commissioning Groups
- Department of Health and Social Care
- NHS England
- Pennine Care NHS Trust
Response Status
Linked responses
1 of 4
56-Day Deadline
12 Apr 2018
About PFD responses
Organisations named in PFD reports must respond within 56 days explaining what actions they are taking.
Source: Courts and Tribunals Judiciary
Report Sections
Investigation and Inquest
On the 2l June 2017, I commenced an investigation into the death of John Haines.
Circumstances of the Death
Against a backdrop of a sudden and unexplained onset of anxiety and depression in December 2016, the deceased had been under the care of the community mental health team/Home Treatment Team and his GP until the 17th March 2017, whereupon his mental health had deteriorated to such a degree that he could no longer be safely managed within the community. He was therefore admitted to a mental health ward as a voluntary in-patient. He was diagnosed with and treated for anxiety and depression. During the course of this admission he was seen by three different Consultants, the last of which opined that he was suffering from a psychotic episode and delusional thoughts. Whilst earlier identification of this symptomatology may have resulted in the revision and implementation of different treatment sooner, it would not have materially altered the outcome. Following medication review by the third Consultant, the deceased’s condition improved and after a successful period of home leave, he was discharged on the 14th June 2017 with planned follow-up by the Home Treatment Team and Early Intervention Team. On the 15th June 2017 the Home Treatment Team contacted the deceased by telephone and arrangements were made to visit him. When the team attended as planned on the 17th June 2017, there was no answer at the deceased’s home address. Family subsequently tried to contact the deceased, to no avail. A concern for welfare was raised. Police attended and forced entry. The deceased was found in his bedroom. The fact of his death was confirmed by attending Paramedics at around 19:18 hours the same day. The thrust of the evidence suggested that the deceased had been actively making plans to end his life prior to discharge from hospital, despite reassurances to the contrary. The mechanism used was in keeping with this and the circumstances in which the deceased was found.
Copies Sent To
British Psychological Society (for information only)
Care Quality Commission (for information only)
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Data sourced from Courts and Tribunals Judiciary under the Open Government Licence.