NHSE and ICBs to highlight ‘resource gaps’ in wake of stabbings

NHS England is asking systems to highlight “gaps” in resources for intensive community mental healthcare in public in the wake of the Valdo Calocane stabbings.

In a letter last week, NHSE’s mental health directors said integrated care boards must ask provider trusts for evidence to include in new reviews of their assertive and intensive community services. It said the findings and “action plans” must be presented and discussed publicly at ICB board meetings “to support transparency”. 

The letter from national director Claire Murdoch and clinical director Adrian James said the reviews must “set out potential longer-term actions, which may have resource implications”, and should “include these potential resource gaps in your review”.

It goes on: “NHS England will collate national trends and use it to inform future policy and understanding of resource requirements in this area, as well as communicate the outcomes to the Care Quality Commission and Department of Health and Social Care.”

The letter – following on from NHSE’s initial request in July – focuses on “intensive and assertive community treatment for people with severe mental health problems”, in the wake of Mr Calocane’s three killings in Nottingham last June, which have led to several local and national reviews.

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Source: HSJ, 3 September 2024