You Said, We Did
You said….
We need to improve waiting times and access to services.
We did….
-The ICB and Sirona are working to reduce waiting times across all community services. There has been a large increase in demand for services over the last few years which is outstripping the capacity available. We recognise that this can cause distress to our families who are waiting to be seen and so we are working hard to address these long waits as well as improving our communication and alternative resources for families.
-To improve communication with families, additional information, advice and signposting will be included with the letters that are initially sent to parents whether a referral is accepted or not. This will include advice and signposting to resources that may support their child whilst they wait. These resources are available on the new Children’s Community Health Services website:
-Additional funding has been agreed until end of March 2025 to provide a waiting list initiative for autism assessment services to reduce the longest waits for children and young people. Parents and carers can self-refer their child into the autism assessment service. For other services, work has taken place to ensure that GPs and other referrers are aware of the criteria for access to ensure that this is met prior to a referral taking place. This information is now available on the new Children’s Community Health Services website.
-Prioritisation forms for ASD services are available for parents/carers or other professionals to complete and send into Sirona should they feel that there has been a significant change in their young person’s presentation.
-Significant work has already taken place in North Somerset to retain staff and recruit into long term vacancies within services. Access to CAMHS has significantly improved since North Somerset services were transferred to AWP and the numbers of children waiting has reduced from 497 in June 2021 to 32 (waiting for treatment) as of November 2023.
Families are advised of alternative provision in North Somerset if the referral does not meet CAMHS thresholds. This includes: