The Health and Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Monday 23 March 2026 to discuss the current state of mental health services across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, and to review the health scrutiny activity of district and borough councils. Key discussions included progress against constitutional targets for various mental health services, challenges in patient discharge from inpatient care, and the rollout of mental health support teams in schools.

Mental Health Services in Staffordshire

The committee received an update on mental health services from representatives of the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board (ICB), Midlands Partnership University Foundation NHS Trust (MPFT), and North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust.

Talking Therapies: The service is generally performing well against national targets. While access to talking therapies was 2% behind year-to-date targets as of the last data submission, additional training and recruitment were expected to help meet the year-end target. Of those who completed treatment, 71.3% showed reliable improvements, exceeding the 68% target, and 49.1% made a reliable recovery, just below the 50% target. Councillor Yu questioned the statement that targets were not being met, and it was clarified that while some data was slightly below target for the last quarter, the expectation was to meet all targets by the end of the financial year, a pattern observed in previous years due to the timing of workforce recruitment. Councillor Brown inquired about the role and cost of new trainees, and it was explained that trainees are part of a national programme to grow the workforce, with over 400 qualified staff already employed. Trainees are specifically trained in cognitive behavioural therapy and are supervised by qualified staff. The cost is comparable to other mental health professionals, and the aim is to move trainees into permanent roles after their training. Councillor Luca raised concerns about the average number of sessions and the cost per session, noting that in 2024, the average session duration was 53 minutes, with an average of eight sessions per course. It was clarified that the eight-session figure is an average, and individuals can access more sessions or follow-up support, including digital options. Regarding costs, it was explained that commissioning decisions are based on quality and outcomes, not just cost, and that the talking therapies offer involves a significant workforce. Councillor Luca also highlighted a high dropout rate in 2024, with only one-third of referrals completing a full course. Efforts to address this include community engagement, opening up access routes, promoting the service through local businesses, and investing in a mobile bus for rural areas.

Children and Young People's Mental Health: Access targets for children and young people's mental health support are being met, with nearly 18,000 seen at least once by community mental health services in the past year, exceeding the plan by 7.6%. While wait times are still being addressed, 48% of children referred routinely were seen within four weeks, compared to the national average of 33%. The Stay Well Emotional Health and Wellbeing Service, launched in Staffordshire in April 2025, provides early support for children and young people aged 5-18.

Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs) in Schools: Currently, 67% of schools have access to MHSTs, with plans to reach 100% coverage by the end of 2029-30. Seisdon has recently benefited from a new MHST. Councillor Griffiths sought clarification on the 33% of schools not yet covered, and it was explained that the rollout is phased based on demographics and need. Schools must also opt in. The Stay Well service acts as a complementary provision for schools without MHSTs, ensuring no child is without support. Barriers to reaching 100% coverage include the staged rollout of teams and the need to train new workforces.

Perinatal Mental Health Services: Access targets are being achieved, with nearly 1,400 women receiving support in the past year, a 14% increase on the target.

Crisis and Inpatient Mental Health Services: A significant challenge remains with out-of-area usage of mental health inpatient beds, particularly in Stoke-on-Trent and the north of the county. This is attributed to demand for beds, delays in patient discharge due to a lack of care packages or suitable placements, and national requirements for inpatient facility improvements. On a positive note, Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent are third out of 42 ICBs nationally for average length of stay in mental health admissions. The Crisis Care Centre at St George's Hospital, Stafford, was launched last year, and NHS 111 now includes an option for mental health support.

Delayed Discharges: Councillor Wallens raised concerns about delays in discharging patients from mental health services. This is attributed to multifaceted issues including the demand for beds, the complexity of patient needs, and a shortage of suitable community placements and supported living accommodation. Housing availability is also a significant factor, with an increasing number of homeless individuals requiring inpatient care. While social care assessments are generally completed within the 28-day target, the lack of suitable accommodation at the end of the assessment process is the primary cause of delays. Councillor Wallens also inquired about the emphasis on districts and boroughs providing social housing for individuals with mental health problems, and it was agreed that closer collaboration with housing providers is necessary.

Recovery Measurement: Councillor Wallens asked how recovery is measured, specifically in relation to completed treatment rather than treatment entry. It was explained that evidence-based outcome measures, such as the GARD and PHQ-9 scales for anxiety and depression, are used to measure progress at the start and end of treatment. While these are the primary metrics for reporting, other outcome measures are used clinically.

The Labour-Send White Paper: Councillor Brown raised concerns about the potential impact of the new white paper on SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) services, particularly regarding funding shifts to mainstream schools and the potential loss of dedicated services. It was acknowledged that the white paper is very new, and its implications for NHS services are still being assessed. There is a recognition of the need for integrated support within schools, involving a wider workforce including speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, and educational psychologists. The potential for enhanced support in schools is seen as an opportunity, but the practicalities and funding streams are yet to be determined.

Suicide Prevention: Councillor Norman inquired about the effectiveness of the Samaritans in reducing suicide rates and whether they receive grants from mental health services. It was stated that specific data on the Samaritans' effectiveness is not collected by the ICB, but they are a nationally provided service. While there are grants available for volunteer organisations based on need, there are no specific grants for the Samaritans from the mental health service body. Councillor Norman also requested information on whether Staffordshire County Council provides funding to the Samaritans.

Homelessness and Mental Health Support: Councillor Griffiths asked about the support available for homeless individuals with drug and alcohol issues and mental health problems. It was explained that a range of services exist across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, with MPFT providing drug and alcohol services. There is a focus on integrated care plans and outreach functions. A service in the south of the patch specifically supports homeless individuals or those at risk of losing their tenancy, many of whom have serious mental illness or drug and alcohol problems. Councillor Hood highlighted the woeful inadequacy of housing units for homeless individuals with mental health complexities, emphasizing the need for more suitable accommodation.

Education and Mental Health Link: Councillor Brown raised concerns about the impact of education funding cuts, leading to redundancies among school leadership and a significant percentage of school leavers being unable to read and write. She believes this is linked to mental health issues and a potential mental health crisis. While this was acknowledged as a serious concern, it was noted that it might fall more within the remit of an education committee. However, the committee agreed to explore the link further.

Integrated Care Board (ICB) Funding: Councillor Luca questioned why the ICB was considering reducing mental health budgets by £8.2 million, as stated in a previous report. It was clarified that mental health funding is protected by the Mental Health Investment Standard, which requires funding to increase annually. Any cost-saving measures are focused on avoiding further costs through increased efficiency and productivity, rather than reducing direct service provision.

District and Borough Health Scrutiny Activity

The committee reviewed the health scrutiny activity of district and borough councils. Councillor Wallens noted that representatives from the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent ICB had declined an invitation to attend a meeting, stating it was more within the ICB's remit. He inquired about the possibility of County Council representatives attending as substitutes, but it was explained that there is no current provision for this. Councillor Norman commented on the apparent disconnect between planning applications and health scrutiny, and the varied scope of health scrutiny activities across different boroughs. Councillor John Jones provided an update on the Staffordshire Moorlands District Council's Health Committee, which met on March 4th and discussed health inequalities, vaping, and mental health, including dementia. A workshop on dementia friends is scheduled for April 27th. Councillor Bebbington inquired if invitations to the dementia friends event were extended to all county councillors. Councillor Wayne Luca provided an update on his new role on the Tamworth Borough Council's Health and Wellbeing Committee, noting a meeting scheduled for the following evening and his involvement in licensing for houses of multiple occupation. Councillor Catherine Brown requested feedback on questions she had submitted to Staffordshire Borough Council following a January meeting.

Work Programme

The committee noted that the current municipal year's work programme was nearing completion. The future work programme will be determined by the committee once it is re-established. The committee also noted the executive response received from the ICB.