Agenda item

This item is part of the review into the ‘Prevalence of Psychosis and access to mental health services for the BME Community in Southwark’.

A paper is attached from Lambeth & Southwark Public Health Team.

9.1  Dr Sarah Corlett, Consultant in Public Health Medicine, Lambeth & Southwark Public Health Team, presented the paper circulated and then the chair invited members to ask questions.

9.2  It was noted that Lambeth has better data than Southwark, and Sarah Corlett responded that there is a plan for Southwark to collect similar data, in conjunction with KCH, but this is dependant on the co-operation of GPs.

9.3  A member commented on the evidence that members of BME communities are more likely to be subject to coercive treatment and said that that it would be useful to see data on rates of incarceration and sectioning and Sarah Corlett responded that it would be possible to supply this. She was then asked if there is any comparative data on the quality of treatment for physical health that people with mental health conditions receive. She responded that this could be more challenging to provide, but it could be possible to get some useful data through examining health check records, for example, but this would require scoping and resourcing.

9.4  Members asked if there is an issue of people being late in seeking help and if this impacts on type or success of treatment. She responded that Southwark has a very good Oasis service which sees a higher proportion of BME community members, partly because there is outreach to community and faith groups.

9.5  The evidence that BME communities at high densities have lower level of psychosis was discussed and it was explained that this is at ‘super output’ level, so at very local levels. It was noted that psychosis particularly affects immigrant communities, whatever the ethnicity.

9.1  Members asked Sarah Corlett what recommendations she could make to prevent psychosis and she suggested more work with parents whose children have conduct or a behaviour disorder and noted that there is gap in provision for adolescents, as problems have to be severe for CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) to accept a referral.

9.2  Members commented that earlier the committee had heard about the rising presentation of people with Mental Health needs at A & Es, and this evidence contradicts the reports assertion that people are receiving early help. Sarah Corlett agreed that this needs more research and commented that this is sometimes tricky as mental health can be a secondary symptom and will not necessarily be recorded. A member added that it would be useful to know the origin of people and how many are from Europe. A member indicated that he was keen to ensure that services are accessible to all.

RESOLVED

Provide information on the number, and ethnicity, of people:

• Sectioned or held in secure accommodation.
• Presenting at A & E with mental health needs