There will be ‘no big bang change’ in the way mental health provision is delivered on the Island when services merge with the mainland next year, health bosses have said.
It comes as the new Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust prepares to launch in April.
The new trust will take on the responsibility of the community, mental health and learning disability (CMHLD) services of four regional NHS bodies.
New foundation trust to run mental health services
It means the Isle of Wight NHS Trust will no longer run the CMHLD services on the Island, but there have been reassurances they will be still be delivered locally.
NHS bosses hope the new foundation trust will make things easier, simpler and better for patients and staff who work across the organisation.
Stevens: Access to services would be improved
The four bodies coming together include the Isle of Wight NHS Trust, Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Solent NHS Trust and the Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.
Speaking at a meeting earlier this week Dr Lesley Stevens, the IOW NHS CMHLD director, said the large-scale organisation would benefit the Island by improving access to services, regardless of postcode.
She said it would also reduce duplication across services, which would save the trust money that could be reinvested.
Stevens: There won’t be a big bang change
Dr Stevens said,
“Very detailed work is ongoing to ensure we are safe on day one when the services come together.
“Our expectation is there won’t be a big bang change, but as we work together differently we will take the opportunities to improve our CMHLD services.”
Access to highly specialist services
Dr Stevens said the Island would also benefit from access to highly specialist services and training, supervision and support for staff that the Island cannot provide.
In return, mainland partners have been visiting to learn more about how the mental health sector on the Island works together.
Ensuring staff are properly cared for
Dr Stevens said the organisation was making a real commitment on trauma-informed care, ensuring staff are properly cared for but also being sensitive to trauma in the way they care for people.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
