Independent investigation: Ivy Torrie, Pocklington (2003)

The MHTrust should develop and describe a broad based action plan to ensure it has explored additional methods of engagement with carers particularly where service users are reluctant to involve them.

The use of the Care Progamme Approach in out patient clinics should be the subject of audit and reported to the MH Trust Board.

The ‘issues for consideration’ contained in the document, ‘Recommendations for Antipsychotic Medication Switches’ should form the basis of a clinical audit.

The newly adopted GRiST risk assessment tool should be subject to audit in outpatient clinics and the outcome reported to the Board. Tick box mentality should be avoided and the audit should focus on the quality of the clinical input, … Read more The newly adopted GRiST risk assessment tool should be subject to audit in outpatient clinics and the outcome reported to the Board. Tick box mentality should be avoided and the audit should focus on the quality of the clinical input, observations and interpretation, contingency plans and the flexibility of the process and that the format in use are validated for each specific patient group. Show less

There should be production of information packs for service users and their relatives and carers concerning areas identified in the revised Mental Health Act Code of Practice and the Care Programme Approach. The documentation should reflect all rights and responsibilities … Read more There should be production of information packs for service users and their relatives and carers concerning areas identified in the revised Mental Health Act Code of Practice and the Care Programme Approach. The documentation should reflect all rights and responsibilities afforded to them and what to do in emergencies. Show less

The assessment of carers and the progress the Trust makes in this area should form an annual report to the Board on the impact future engagement and assessment of need has.

The PCT should construct and conduct an audit of the Out of Hours Service showing particular attention to how specific mental health calls have been dealt with and the effectiveness of this service. How calls regarding mental health issues are … Read more The PCT should construct and conduct an audit of the Out of Hours Service showing particular attention to how specific mental health calls have been dealt with and the effectiveness of this service. How calls regarding mental health issues are routed at point of contact to appropriate emergency mental health services, thus avoiding the out of hours GP service, should be subject to audit. Show less