Thanks to Jenny for this update, in her own words. Ed
The Isle of Wight LINk (Local Involvement Network) has compiled a new report, Into the Future: Report on Community Mental Health Services for Adults on the Isle of Wight.
This was following the set up of a Workplan Group to look at Adult Mental Health Services, following feedback from the public. The Group decided to concentrate on Community Services, as changes were being planned there.
A survey was carried out, asking 126 people who used community mental health services about their experiences. The results of the survey are presented in the report to help service managers and planners understand in what ways the service needs to change.
Widely varying experience
Survey responses gave a picture of widely varying experience, depending on the quality of care provided by the individual professional concerned. They indicated a need for improvement around the processes of care planning and crisis planning.
In particular, crisis planning appears to be in urgent need of attention.
Housing issues an important factor
Housing issues were indicated as having a major impact on the mental health of a number of individuals.
Involvement of people in their own care also stood out as needing improvement. Service user involvement needs to be given more value across all parts of the service.
HealthWatch advised to review topics
The recommendations in the report address the above topics amongst others. The LINk recommends that its successor body, HealthWatch Isle of Wight, look again at these topics in 2013 to check how much services have changed for the better.
Paddy Noctor, Vice Chair of the Isle of Wight LINk said, “The report, which interviewed a good proportion of Community Mental Health service users on the Island, showed that services were accessible and that most people received good treatment from staff. There were a few areas for improvement – the inconsistency in crisis planning, support for those living in their own homes and the lack of a really independent service user network.
“We are looking forward to working with commissioners and providers to help implement improvements in these areas. Work is already underway and service users are continuing to be engaged.”
The report (embedded below for your convenience) was launched to the public at an event held at Rookley Country Park on Wednesday 10th October.
