The Care Home Liaison Service (CHLS) was initially commenced as a pilot project in March 2006 following reconfiguration of older peoples mental health services.
- Funding was obtained to continue and develop the service through the Neighborhood Renewal Fund .
- From October 2006 CHLS had a full time manager who has developed the team over the last year to its current establishment of 4 band 6 wte nurses.
Local Context
- Population Doncaster - 300,000
People with dementia - 5,000
Other mental health problems- 3,500
Number Registered Care Homes - 60
Residential Beds - 862
EMI Residential Beds - 474
EMI Nursing beds - 209
General Nursing Beds - 319
Total Beds- 1904
Aims of the Service
- To promote positive practice to maximize clients quality of life using a holistic approach in order to maintain the client in their current setting and achieve an appropriate and effective care plan.
- To provide rapid access to specialist mental health services where appropriate through a single point of access.
- To address the assessment of the needs of the person living in the care home and provide timely assessment and effective, evidence based treatments.
- To assist in developing and delivering appropriate educational packages and advice to care home staff based on best practice and/or individual needs.
- To promote and assist in effective ward discharges and placement preparation for both the patient and the family.
Purpose of the Care Homes Learning Network
To improve and enhance quality care in registered care home in the Doncaster area for Older People with Mental Health problems.
The
network also has its own website, hosted by the NMHDU Knowledge
Community, which the team use to disseminate the latest up to date
reports and documents relating to mental health in later life.