The Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee was scheduled to discuss the step-down service provided by the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust at Bethlem Hospital. The meeting also included a review of the organisation's policies on adult safeguarding and patient safety incident response.

South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust - Step-Down Service at Bethlem Hospital

The sub-committee was scheduled to consider a report detailing the step-down service provided by the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM) at Bethlem Hospital. This service aims to support individuals transitioning from inpatient mental health settings to community-based residential care. The report included case studies illustrating the support provided to individuals named 'A.' and 'B.', highlighting their engagement with services such as Jubilee Mews and Woodland House.

The report outlined Everyturn Mental Health's role in supporting these transitions, emphasising their robust quality and governance framework. It detailed a risk register developed for patients moving from inpatient services to Woodland House, a community step-down provision. This register identified potential risks such as harm to patients, relapse, hospital readmission, and risks to others, alongside existing controls and additional ongoing actions. Controls included individual risk assessments, specialist need assessments, 24-hour nursing support, consultant approval for discharges, and the involvement of community care teams and key workers.

Key learning points from the Nottingham Inquiry, particularly concerning information sharing, escalation of concerns, continuity of care, multi-agency working, recognition of dynamic risk, and professional curiosity, were highlighted as being applied to the transition pathway. The report stated that the transition pathway to Woodland House is supported by clinical, operational, and governance controls, with a focus on strong information sharing, dynamic risk review, and multi-agency communication.

Adult Safeguarding Policy

The sub-committee was also scheduled to review Everyturn Mental Health's Adult Safeguarding Policy. This policy outlines the organisation's approach to protecting adults with care and support needs from abuse and neglect. It details the responsibilities of employees, volunteers, and contractors, and aligns with legal frameworks such as the Care Act 2014 and the Mental Capacity Act 2005. The policy defines various types of abuse, including physical, psychological, sexual, financial, discriminatory, and organisational abuse, as well as neglect, modern slavery, domestic abuse, female genital mutilation (FGM), and 'honour' based violence (HBV). It also addresses the risk of radicalisation and the 'Prevent' duty. The policy emphasises a Making Safeguarding Personal (MSP) approach, focusing on person-centred outcomes and involving individuals in decision-making.

Patient Safety Incident Response Policy

A review of Everyturn Mental Health's Patient Safety Incident Response Policy was also on the agenda. This policy sets out the organisation's approach to responding to patient safety incidents for the purpose of learning and improvement, in line with the Patient Safety Incident Response Framework (PSIRF). It establishes a system-based, proportionate, and compassionate approach to incident response, moving away from blame-driven investigations. The policy details how incidents are reported, reviewed, and responded to, with a focus on engaging those affected and sharing learning to improve services. It outlines the roles and responsibilities of various individuals and groups within the organisation, from the Board of Trustees to all colleagues, in ensuring effective patient safety management. The policy also references the Patient Safety Incident Response Plan (PSIRP), which operationalises the policy.