Agenda and minutes

There were no declarations of interest.

The minutes of the meeting held on 13^th February, 2019 were signed as a true record, subject to the inclusion of Councillors Lancaster and Skinner in the list of apologies for the meeting. 

Presentation by Rachael Danter, System Transformation Director, Better Health Better Care Better Value, who has been invited to the meeting for the consideration of this item

RESOLVED that consideration of the item be deferred to a future meeting of the Board to allow for the attendance of Rachael Danter, System Transformation Director, Better Health Better Care Better Value.

Report of the Task and Finish Group Chair, Councillor Gannon

The Board considered a briefing note of Councillor Gannon, Chair of the Task and Finish Group on Mental Health Support to Students which detailed the outcomes and recommendations from the work of the Group.

The briefing note indicated the Task and Finish Group had been established following the Board’s consideration of an item of Suicide Prevention last July. The purpose of the Group was to look at the mental health support available to students in the city. Membership of the Group comprised Councillors Gannon, Hetherton and Kershaw with support being provided from Public Health officers.

Coventry had two major universities in the city with a combined population of over 58,000 students. In light of this number of students, Members had been concerned about a potential gap in mental health provision.

The briefing note referred to recent press articles concerning student mental health which indicated that there was a growing issue of student mental wellbeing.

Information was provided on the key lines of enquiry. Representatives from the partner agencies including both universities, the two student unions, Coventry and Rugby CCG, Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership Trust (CWPT), GP provision at Warwick University and Public Health were invited to participate. The key lines of enquiry identified by the Task and Finish Group which guided discussions with witnesses were set out.

The Task and Finish Group met with a group of five students from Warwick University arranged through the Student Union. A summary of the main issues raised by the group was set out at an appendix to the briefing note. There was no response to the invitation sent to Coventry University.

The current provider of mental health services in the city was CWPT who were commissioned by the CCG. There was no service specifically commissioned for students, who had the same access to services as all Coventry residents. The services provided by the CCG were detailed. The Board noted that there was a Health Centre on Warwick campus with two practices which students were encouraged to register with. Coventry University had a Medical Centre in the city centre at The Hub, as well as access to another surgery in Radford. Both universities also offered wellbeing and mental health support services for their students.

Following consideration of all the evidence, the Group identified the following themes:

·  There were no specific mental health services for students from commissioners and providers. Within a generic 18-25 NHS cohort it was difficult to identify students. Students did have specific needs, often being away from home, their support networks and being under stress to perform well on their course.

·  Individual universities provided support, but this was not necessarily joined up with mainstream provision

·  Pathways were not clear and a seamless service was needed to help people access the right service faster

·  The need for better co-ordination of stakeholders - an app to signpost or a one stop shop for example.

·  There was no data set specifically for students. There needed to be an agreement by organisations that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 48.

Report of the Scrutiny Co-ordinator

The Board considered their final work programme for the current municipal year.

RESOLVED that the work programme be noted.

Any other items of public business which the Chair decides to take as matters of urgency because of the special circumstances involved

The Scrutiny Co-ordinator reported that a copy of the West Midlands Ambulance Service Quality Account had been e-mailed to members and their comments/questions on the document had been requested.

RESOLVED that members forward any comments/ questions on the West Midlands Ambulance Service Quality Account to Vicky Castree, Scrutiny Co-ordinator.

Members placed on record their thanks to Councillor Damian Gannon who wasn’t standing for re-election at the forthcoming City Council elections. They thanked him for his time and work while Chair of the Board over the past three years and wished him well for the future.