Cllr Williams introduced Debbie Mayor, NHS Wirral to the forum. Debbie gave an overview of her presentation ‘Beating the Blues’ and highlighted key facts including:

• One in four people will experience some form of mental health issue in their life
• Higher number of more severe mental health issues in Wirral than across North West region
• At March 2008 – 30,000 registered in Wirral with mental health issues (of which 630 in Prenton ward and 465 in Oxton ward)
• Training and education for staff, support at home, more help for carers and memory services by April 2010

Cllr Williams invited questions from the floor.

John Brace – Will the Stein Centre at St Catherines’ remain or move?

Debbie Mayor – The Stein Centre will continue to provide mental health community teams and alcohol services. Two wards at Clatterbridge are currently being refurbished and will be ready in January 2010.

Alan Dollery – What type of services would be bought in with regard to Community Advice Service?

Debbie Mayor – Some examples were given in the presentation, that Cheshire & Wirral Partnership Trust currently buying or planning to buy and there will be a joined up approach with Local Authority and Department of Adult Social Services, Children & Young People and Voluntary Sector.

John Brace – Are Voluntary and Community groups aware that NHS have to buy in?

Debbie Mayor – Vast number of services in Voluntary Sector are led/taken forward by Local Authority in partnership with Department of Adult Social Services. The last couple of years NHS have commissioned services directly from Voluntary Sector. For example, Primary Care Advice Liaison Service are moving away from buying beds in hospitals to more local community based services. Outcomes will be measured and regular monitoring will take place.

Jean McCarthy – If you suspect that someone may be in early stages of dementia, is there a test to determine this?

Debbie Mayor – The first port of call generally is GP who has the option to refer to Cheshire & Wirral Partnership specialist services for a full assessment by consultant psychiatrist. Developing Memory Services in each location with some GP, nurse, social care input from Voluntary Sector (Age Concern / Alzheimer’s Society) for early detection/intervention.

Andrew Taylor – Carers are exploited and unpaid and this is a big problem. Relatives become carers, pleased to hear that this type of service will be available.

Chris Shaw, Advocacy in Wirral – Early intervention is crucial as this can stop becoming medical issues later on.

Cllr Holbrook –these are the very services at the top of the list to get ‘squeezed’ when spending reviews come in.

Cllr Bridson stated that she is Chair of Social Care & Health and Well Being Overview and Scrutiny Committee and Cheshire East / Cheshire West and Chester / Wirral Joint Scrutiny Committee. She informed the meeting

·  that the Citizens Advice Bureau based at Arrowe Park Hospital is under pressure with extra work at the moment and asked for this to be considered further in order for this service to continue at the hospital.

·  that there is a review / consultation underway currently of people with dementia experiences of hospital stays such as those who are admitted with broken leg or pneumonia and the impact this may have on other patients. This should be finalised shortly and if anyone would like further information or give their life experiences, please contact her.

Ruth Shaw – asked for figure/breakdown of care and respite ring-fenced money.

Debbie Mayor – does not have those figures to hand.

Minute decision:

i.  that Debbie Mayor be thanked for her presentation

ii.  anyone wanting information about dementia/hospital consultation contact Cllr Ann Bridson

iii.  that Debbie Mayor provide breakdown of care and respite budgets