Enhanced signs suggesting an improvement in the partnership between the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and the paediatric ward.
In a move towards enhancing the quality of children's mental health services, an action plan has been established to improve communication and collaboration between the Children's Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and the pediatric hospital ward on the island of Jersey.
The action plan, initiated following a report published earlier this year, was based on an inspection of CAMHS conducted by the Jersey Care Commission in November 2024, alongside an external review team from the Royal College of Psychiatrists. The report highlighted concerns about the quality of shared care arrangements for children, primarily due to the difficult relationship between CAMHS and the hospital paediatric ward.
One parent expressed their dissatisfaction with the relationship, stating that if anything needs to change, it's the relationship between the hospital and CAMHS, as it significantly impacted their family's experience. These concerns were echoed in interviews with frontline staff who acknowledged challenges in their interfaces with the ward.
The report suggested enhancing collaboration between CAMHS and the pediatric ward through additional training and regular meetings. The action plan includes initiatives to improve communication, such as scheduling regular catchups between CAMHS and the pediatric ward, and joint work between the lead nurses of both departments.
The Children's Minister has reported progress in improving the relationship between CAMHS and the pediatric ward. One of the key recommendations in the report was for CAMHS staff to work on improving their relationship with the pediatric ward. The Minister also commended the positive signs of improvement and the ongoing efforts to further enhance the collaboration and support between the two departments.
The children's governance oversight group has overseen the implementation of document working protocols, a CAMHS inpatient protocol, additional training, and improved communication. The action plan aims to create a more harmonious and effective working environment, ensuring the best possible care for children under CAMHS.
The institutions involved in this initiative are the Child Psychosomatic Center and the pediatric hospital ward on the island of Jersey. The implementation of this action plan is a significant step towards improving the quality of mental health services for children on the island.
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