Issue details
New operating model for the Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) service
The Council has a statutory duty to have an Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) service with sufficient professional resources (AMHPs) to operate on a 24-hour, 7 day a week basis and meet demand. Following a referral, AMHPs undertake assessments to determine if an individual should be admitted, detained and treated in hospital for a mental disorder without their consent.
A review of the AMHP Service in 2019 found issues with practice requiring improvement and recommended a new service model as the best way to address this. This recommendation has been developed further into the proposed new operating model for the AMHP Service which will deliver a statutory, high quality and sufficient service.
The proposed new operating model is for a 24/7 hub and spoke (hybrid) AMHP service. This model has been trialled on an interim basis since February 2020 using short-term funding and has proved to be successful. Similar models are in place in neighbouring authorities.
The AMHP service is provided by West Sussex County Council working in close partnership with other organisations, including Sussex Police, South East Coast Ambulance (SECAMb) Service, Sussex Partnership Foundation Trust (SPFT) and acute hospital trusts.
Decision type: Key
Reason Key: Expenditure > £500,000;
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Divisions affected: (All Divisions);
Notice of proposed decision first published: 27/07/2020
Representations made
Sussex Partnership Foundation Trust, staff in the existing AMHP Service and service users were involved in the review of the current service and the development of the new model.
Internal consultation has taken place with Finance, HR and Legal services, the Adults and Health Leadership Team and the Executive Leadership Team and Cabinet Member for Adults and Health.
Representations concerning this proposed decision can be made to the Interim Executive Director Adults and Health via the author or officer contact, by the beginning of the month in which the decision is due to be taken.
Decision due: September 2020 by Interim Executive Director Adults and Health
Lead member: Alan Adams, Interim Executive Director for Adults & Health (DASS) alan.adams@westsussex.gov.uk
Contact: Alison Nuttall, Head of All-Age Commissioning Email: alison.nuttall@westsussex.gov.uk Tel: 033 022 25936.
Consultation process
Sussex Partnership Foundation Trust, staff in the existing AMHP Service and service users were involved in the review of the current service and the development of the new model.
Internal consultation has taken place with Finance, HR and Legal services, the Adults and Health Leadership Team and the Executive Leadership Team and Cabinet Member for Adults and Health.
Representations concerning this proposed decision can be made to the Interim Executive Director Adults and Health via the author or officer contact, by the beginning of the month in which the decision is due to be taken.
Democratic Services Contact: Erica Keegan Tel: 0330 022 26050
Background3: A Strong, Safe and Sustainable Place
Decisions
- 28/09/2020 - New operating model for the Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) service OKD35 (20/21)
Agenda items
- 09/09/2020 - Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee New operating model for the Approved Mental Health Professionals 09/09/2020
Background papers
- None