Agenda item

To receive an update on the Gordon Hospital.

6.1      Ela Pathak-Sen (CNWL, Director for Mental Health Services, Westminster) provided an update to the Committee on the Gordon Hospital inpatient wards and CNWL’s mental health provision for Westminster.

6.2      The Committee was informed that engagement continued to take place with patients, families, communities, and partners to work collaboratively to ensure the right inpatient service was in place to meet the mental health needs of Westminster residents. It was explained CNWL planned to formally consult on the future of the Gordon hospital in the summer, provided National Emergency regulations allowed. In response to a question it was confirmed that the consultation would include options on how the current bed base in Westminster would be utilised, including St Charles Hospital, and also how a site in the south of the borough on Woodfield Road could be potentially developed. It was confirmed however that there currently was no plan to build a new hospital in Westminster.

6.3      Concern was expressed that the closure of the Gordon Hospital was resulting in some residents having to travel long distances to access health provision. The Committee was informed that if patients were placed outside of Westminster systems were in place to assist family members in visiting these patients.

6.4      In response to questions regarding the reasoning behind the closure of the in-patient wards due to Covid-19 Members were informed that this because it was not possible to provide adequate ensuite facilities, there was a lack of outdoor space and the current toilet facilities were not suitable with current Covid-19 guidelines in place. Following discussions, the Committee was advised that a site visit to the Hospital could be arranged to view the facilities currently available.

6.5      In terms of the effect the planned closure would have on Westminster’s mental health provision further questions were asked on what support was provided to patients discharged into the community. It was explained that a number of pathways had been developed to support patients, including:

·       Therapeutic interventions where a patient had a trial leave period in the community allowing them to be assessed on how they are integrating back into society;

·       For those at high risk the Home Treatment Service was available, and they treated people who were at high risk but who would benefit from being back at home and in the community;

·       The use of step-down beds located within a house in Westminster supported by a care worker to help transition people back into the community; and

·       The Coves service providing patients with 1:1 support, signposting, practical advice and coping techniques when discharged back into the community.

6.6      Following discussions the Committee strongly advised of the importance that there was adequate in-patient provision within Westminster. It was requested that when the formal consultation process on the Gordon Hospital commenced the Committee and Cabinet Member be formally notified to allow Members to inform residents and ensure a representative picture of residents feelings and views on the closure were captured. Finally, the offer of visiting the Gordon Hospital was welcomed to view the facilities on site and it was hoped a date would be arranged shortly to allow this.