Issue - items at meetings - Older People Mental Health Planning Framework 2009/10 to 2011/12

Report of the Director of Strategy, Brighton and Hove City PCT (copy attached).

(1)       That the Brighton and Hove Older People Mental Health Planning Framework 2009–2012 be approved.

49.1    The Deputy Director of Strategic Commissioning PCT introduced a report of the Director of Strategy, Brighton & Hove City PCT, which set out the vision for the future development and commissioning of services to support older people with mental health needs, and their carers, in Brighton and Hove (for copy see minute book).  The planning framework and the three year action plan were attached as appendix 1.  In twelve months time, when year one of the action plan had been implemented, the framework would be updated and a full commissioning strategy would be published.  Meanwhile, the framework would be reviewed in light of the publication of the National Dementia Strategy.  A Joint Steering Group would oversee and implement the framework.  It was suggested that the Steering Group be accountable to the Joint Commissioning Board.

49.2    John Dearlove noted that the Executive Summary of the report made the point that the number of older people living with dementia and depression was expected to increase dramatically, yet the report stressed that the framework was expected to be delivered within health and social care budgets.  The Deputy Director Strategic Commissioning agreed that this would be a challenge.  Finances would need to be carefully directed and there should be an emphasis on early intervention and good, appropriate support at an early stage.  Early intervention and early support were not necessarily expensive. 

49.3    The Commissioner for Older People Mental Health stressed that there would be a need to look at how Brighton & Hove could link to ongoing initiatives.  The Lead Commissioner, Older People mentioned that there might be some pilot sites that could be accessed.  This would place Brighton & Hove in a better position.  Meanwhile, Brighton & Hove was in a better position than the rest of the country as there was not a massive increase in older people. 

49.4    The Director of Community Care stressed the importance of the healthy living aspect of the preventative strategy.  The report detailed many ways in which the service would be different in five years time.   There would be a need to clearly explain these changes in press releases.

49.5    Janice Robinson commended the strategy.  She stressed the importance of good data, particularly in relation to health.  She expressed concern that this group might be particularly vulnerable to future budget restrictions.  The Deputy Director of Strategic Commissioning replied that she was confident that this matter would be kept high on the agenda.   Key dedicated people were working on it.   

49.6    RESOLVED - (1)      That the Brighton and Hove Older People Mental Health Planning Framework 2009–2012, be approved.