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Enhanced signs suggesting an improvement in the alliance between Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and the paediatric ward.

Improvement strategy implemented for enhancing collaboration between children's mental health services and the pediatric ward of hospitals, following a report exposing a strained relationship between the two, which has been affecting the health care of young residents on the island. The report,...

Improvements signaled in the connection between CAMHS and pediatric ward.
Improvements signaled in the connection between CAMHS and pediatric ward.

Enhanced signs suggesting an improvement in the alliance between Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and the paediatric ward.

In a bid to enhance the collaboration between Children's Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and the hospital pediatric ward, an action plan has been initiated. The plan, jointly developed by both departments, aims to address concerns raised in a recent report and improve work practices.

The report, published this year, was based on an inspection of CAMHS conducted by the Jersey Care Commission in November 2024, in collaboration with an external review team from the Royal College of Psychiatrists. The inspection highlighted difficulties in the relationship between CAMHS and the hospital pediatric ward, with issues such as poor communication and negative interactions between the teams being raised as concerns.

One parent expressed concern about the relationship between Robin Ward and CAMHS, stating it had a negative impact on their family's experience. Similar sentiments were echoed by frontline staff. These concerns about shared care arrangements for children were not unfounded, as the report compiled feedback from parents and carers of children under CAMHS.

In response, the Children's Minister has expressed optimism about the current state of the relationship between CAMHS and the pediatric ward. The Minister confirmed that steps have been taken to improve the relationship, with the progress being overseen by a children's governance oversight group.

The action plan includes several key components for enhancing the relationship. Joint initiatives, documenting working protocols, a CAMHS inpatient protocol, additional training, and improved communication are all part of the plan. Constable Richard Vibert stated that staff from both departments are working together, with a focus on the care of young people admitted for mental health support.

The Children's Minister has also mentioned that there are positive indications of improvement in the relationship between CAMHS and the pediatric ward. This improvement is due, in part, to regular meetings between the teams and the joint work between the lead nurses of both departments.

The report also suggested that additional training for the pediatric ward could help improve the relationship between CAMHS and the pediatric ward. The action plan reflects this recommendation, with training being a significant part of the plan.

The Minister has also stated that one of the recommendations in the report is for CAMHS staff to work on improving their relationship with the pediatric ward. The action plan reflects this recommendation, with a focus on improving communication being a key component of the plan.

In conclusion, an action plan has been developed to improve the relationship between CAMHS and the hospital pediatric ward. The plan includes joint initiatives, documenting working protocols, a CAMHS inpatient protocol, additional training, and improved communication. The Children's Minister has expressed optimism about the current state of the relationship and has confirmed that steps have been taken to improve it.

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