Agenda item

The Committee received the report outlining the response from ABMU Health Board to the questions submitted regarding Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in the Neath Port Talbot area for the Committee to agree how to proceed, as detailed within the circulated report.

Members discussed the content of the response, which raised some further questions. Including when the new clinicians would be in post and reducing waiting lists by 25% would this result in 42 week waiting times.

The Committee discussed different options were and it was noted that ABMU Health Board had offered to further explain the Performance Monitoring information in an informal session. Overall, Members felt that it would be more appropriate for any meetings to be open to ensure it was transparent. Some Members queried what the outcome would be from further investigation as it was noted that the Scrutiny Committee had no powers over the Health Board. It was highlighted that they could influence the Health Board and it was an opportunity to raise their concerns. Members noted that the performance information added context to the responses to the questions. It was noted that the Committee could write to Welsh Government outlining their concerns following the discussions with the Health Board. Members felt that they would like to gather further information before considering this option.

Members queried whether Members that sat on the Community Health Council had raised questions at meetings regarding concerns with CAMHS. It was also asked who the Council representative was on the Planning Group and how information was fed back to the Council. These options would be investigated further.

Members highlighted that the Critical Care Team in the Health Board provided a good service and information such as this had been left out of the response. It was noted that there were developments being undertaken with CAMHS that should be opportunities to improve the Service.

Following scrutiny, the Committee agreed that they would invite the Chairman and Chief Executive to a future meeting. In addition they would submit further written questions for prior consideration.