Evaluation of New Role for Psychology Graduates in CYP Mental Health Services

An independent evaluation of a £7.5 million investment in a pilot of a new role for psychology graduates working with severely unwell children and young people (CYP) across both inpatient and community settings.

Nationally, the pressure on Tier 4 Children and Young People Mental Health Services (CYPMHS) has publicly grown. The overall capacity has been reduced from 1455 beds in June 2017 to 1334 beds in September 2021. Occupancy levels are frequently at more than 95%, providers are managing more acuity, and children are routinely presenting in emergency departments in crisis. COVID-19 and CQC restrictions have also made a real impact on service provision over the last year. The increase in demand for eating disorder services over the last year has also placed additional pressure on community and inpatient services.

Following the success of the winter pressures scheme in 2020, further investment into CYPMHS for specialised commissioning services was proposed by Julian Kelly and an invitation to bid for opportunities was given to the regions and national team. This initiative was proposed given the national pressure on Tier 4 CYPMHS clinical services which had been affecting the quality and availability of services.

In response, NHS England and NHS Improvement asked regions to submit proposals to improve the provision of Tier 4 services. Each scheme:

• Must address areas/specialisms of clinical concern:
• Target groups of CYP who currently do not receive dedicated support approaches and for whom interventions would have a significant impact on reducing escalation and potential for admission.
• Is achievable and sustainable
• Does not replace Long Term Plan commitments, but could pump prime or complement the LTP schemes
• Reduces admissions that do not follow natural clinical flow
• Credible in Reducing/ Stopping admissions
• Potential to increase bed capacity for the system
• Influences de-escalation, shorter length of stay or prevent escalation to the next level of care.

Proposals were reviewed by relevant teams at NHS England and NHS Improvement, before finally being approved by Claire Murdoch - National Mental Health Director, NHS England and NHS Improvement, Cathy Edwards – Clinical Programmes Director, Specialised Commissioning and Julian Kelly, CFO.

A successful scheme is the Youth Intensive Psychological Practitioner (YIPP). Over two years, 96 YIPPs will complete a new postgraduate certificate while working across one of 6 provider collaborative sites (in both inpatient and community settings) to gain experience in designing and delivering psychological interventions to young people with severe mental illness. The scheme will run as a pilot and NHSE/I have been working closely with HEE to develop the programme. Trainees are due to start in late 2021/22. As the scheme is a pilot, it is essential that it is evaluated to determine if it adds value to the existing MDT and to the care and treatment CYP receive.

The YIPP role will fill a gap in the provision of psychological interventions in the community, and will allow CYP to be discharged from inpatient settings more quickly as they will be able to receive enhanced support in the community. The median length of stay in general adolescent units is 55 days, and there are opportunities to reduce this with further support options available in the community.

Interested suppliers should register on the NHS England & Improvement e-procurement system here: https://health-family.force.com/login

• Once logged in click 'Find Opportunities' and search for ‘C96274 Evaluation of New Role for Psychology Graduates in CYP Mental Health Services"

• Click 'Register Interest'