Local News · Wiltshire-wide
Regional youth mental health services rated 'good' but waiting lists remain a concern
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
Health inspectors have upgraded the community mental health service for young people in the region to 'good', though families continue to face long waits for care.
Mental health services for children and young people across the region, including Swindon and Wiltshire, have been upgraded by government health inspectors. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has moved the rating of the community-based service provided by the Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership (AWP) from 'requires improvement' to 'good'.
The inspection, conducted in June, marks a significant turnaround for the trust. Inspectors found that AWP was no longer in breach of safety regulations that previously concerned staffing levels, risk assessments, and environmental standards. The report noted that staff are now developing more tailored care packages and successfully working with wider support networks to keep hospital admission rates lower.
New initiatives introduced by the trust include a dedicated clinic for routine health checks, such as blood tests, weight monitoring, and ECGs. This change is designed to spare young people from having to coordinate these requirements through their local GP surgeries, aiming to streamline the diagnostic process. Furthermore, staff are now providing 24-hour crisis support for those on the waiting list, allowing for more regular monitoring of patients whose conditions may change rapidly.
Despite these improvements, the CQC report highlighted persistent challenges that continue to affect families. The inspectors acknowledged that high demand for the service means families often face lengthy waits to secure an appointment. There were also concerns regarding patient involvement, with inspectors noting that young people are not always adequately engaged in planning their own care and that some had not received copies of their care plans.
For the most severe cases requiring specialist in-patient care, the region remains in a difficult position. The previous closure of the Riverside 'Tier 4' unit in Bristol has left a gap in local provision, meaning young people in crisis are occasionally sent to units far from home, including locations as distant as Cornwall. Trust officials have reiterated that their long-term strategy includes the development of a new in-patient facility for the Bristol and Bath area, intended to provide a broader range of specialised support and reduce the need for out-of-area placements.
Michelle Cox, clinical director for child and adolescent services at AWP, expressed that the 'good' rating was a reflection of the dedication shown by local teams. She emphasised that the trust remains committed to working alongside young people and their families to ensure services are responsive and focused on lived experience. While the overall trust rating from the CQC currently remains at 'requires improvement', the upgrade for these specific community services is viewed by health bosses as a vital step forward in supporting young people across the region.
Source: Bristol Post · View original