A three-year change programme has started for mental health, learning disability and autism services in Kent and Medway.
The overall aim is to support people with mental health issues, making sure they receive care closer to home and reducing the need for inpatient services.
A self-assessment and planning tool has been designed to promote conversation and plan changes for services. These changes will be guided by the principles of the new commissioning framework for mental health inpatient services.
The transformation programme emphasises co-production, meaning stakeholders and experts by experience help write different sections of the planning template.
Adult mental health
The service is currently provided by Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust.
What’s the vision for the future?
- People receive high quality care.
- People receive care closer to home.
- People have a positive inpatient experience.
- The care helps recovery and a better quality of life.
What can we do to improve things?
- Speak to people who use services and ask for their thoughts.
- Use digital systems to help.
- Increase the number of people who have a physical health check.
- Deliver new crisis houses.
- Give training to NHS staff.
- Create plans for mental health and housing.
- Create models for step-down care.
Learning disability
Currently, Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust provides care for people with a learning disability. Care is available at Cygnet Health Care’s Maidstone hospital. Support is also available from the Mental Health of Learning Disability and the Learning Disability Forensic Outreach and Liaison Service.
What’s the vision for the future?
- People with learning disabilities have greater equity.
- People with learning disabilities have greater opportunities.
- People with learning disabilities have improved life outcomes and wellbeing.
What can we do to improve things?
- Speak to people who use services and ask for their thoughts.
- Reduce the number of people going into hospital.
- Improve help and care for people with a learning disability.
- Give training to NHS staff.
- Work with local councils to help with housing problems.
Autism
Currently Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust (KMPT) provides care for people with autism. Care is available at Cygnet Health Care’s Maidstone hospital.
Some people must go outside of Kent and Medway for care.
What’s the vision for the future?
- People receive high quality care.
- People receive care closer to home.
- People have a positive experience in hospital.
- The care helps recovery and a better quality of life.
- Short-term crisis support is available for autistic women.
What can we do to improve things?
- Reduce the number of people going into hospital.
- Offer help earlier to young adults.
- Speak to people who use services and ask for their thoughts.
- Work with local councils to help with housing problems.
- Open more safe havens for people to get care and support.
- Give more help if a person with autism needs more treatment or care.
- Give training to NHS staff.