Allison Aules
30 Aug 2023 · Coroner Nadia Persaud · East London
This report repeats 1 earlier warning. See the linked reports.
The coroner's concerns
1. under resourcing of CAMHS services
“The Inquest identified multiple failings in the care provided to [the deceased]”
2. under resourcing of CAMHS services
“The Inquest heard evidence that the under resourcing of CAMHS services is not confined to this local Trust but is a matter of National concern”
3. insufficient funding for CAMHS teams
“The Inquest heard that funding for CAMHS teams within the allocation of funding for general mental health is poor”
4. rising demand for CAMHS services
“The Inquest heard that the number of children presenting to CAMHS teams is increasing significantly”
5. shortage of qualified psychiatrists in CAMHS
“The Inquest heard of the difficulties in recruiting suitably qualified psychiatrists to CAMHS teams”
Linked reports
Closely relatedConfidence 0.90 · high
Earlier report
“Despite the increase in numbers accessing CAMHS there has not been any relative increase in resources to meet this demand and therefore the current position is is unsustainable and it is putting many young people's lives at risk.”
This report
“The Inquest heard that the number of children presenting to CAMHS teams is increasing significantly.”
Responses
2023-0313-Response-from-Department-of-Health-and-Social-Care.pdf ↗· Department of Health and Social Care
2023-0313-Response-from-NHS-England.pdf ↗· NHS England
2023-0313-Response-from-North-East-London-Foundation-Trust.pdf ↗· Royal College of Psychiatrists
Stated action
“The Trust is determined to ensure that all patients receive care in a person-centred approach and that the patient's voice is at the centre of planning the patient's care. The Trust's expectation is that the young person's voice is heard in the triage, initial assessment, care/treatment plan, and follow-ups alongside their parents / responsible adults.”
2023-0313-Response-from-North-East-London-Integrated-Care-Board.pdf ↗· Department of Health and Social Care
Stated action
“We are developing a business case to secure additional funding to support improved resourcing of CAMHS services within NELFT.”
Stated action
“The business case will also include requirements to implement a face to face approach for initial CAMHS assessments.”
Stated action
“Recruitment of consultant psychiatrists is a national issue which we recognise locally - NHS North East London is working with NELFT and other providers to support recruitment and looking at innovative ways of recruiting. This work is being led by our Chief People and Culture Officer,”
Stated action
“In the short term for CAHMS for NELFT we have developed a business case for more funding to support this demand.”