We are keen to address the concerns raised in a recent letter (A debate is needed here, September 25) about changes to mental health services for young people in Merton. Our priority is making sure health services meet the needs of Merton patients, so when we are told that is not happening, we take action to improve care for our patients.
During a series of meetings that took place across south west London in 2012, young people who use mental health services, their families and carers, local GPs, and other healthcare and voluntary sector representatives raised a number of issues with these services including, long waiting times, poor access, and limited integration with other health services.
We worked closely with the provider of these services, South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust, to address these concerns and get patients the right treatment at the right time with the best outcome. As a result, Merton patients now have better access to a different mix of staff including therapists who offer evidence-based approaches such as talking therapies - bringing Merton’s service in line with a national programme of transformation. Therapists will also be able to spend more time with patients as a result of new information systems that are designed to cut down clinical administration.
New dedicated services for eating disorders, autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have also been introduced to cut waiting times for patients and allow treatment to start quickly. Although these services are based at Springfield University Hospital, a national centre of excellence, local families who are unable to travel will still be able to get support from these services, and a range of others, from Birches Close.
Merton residents should feel confident that, as an organisation led by clinicians, we work with healthcare providers to put high quality care and patient needs at the heart of any service changes.
Dr Andrew Otley
Local GP and Clinical Lead for Mental Health, NHS Merton Clinical Commissioning Group
- Send your letters to: letters@wimbledonguardian.co.uk
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