To approve the joint policy and standard operating procedure (SOP) for mental health aftercare, which is required under section 117 of the Mental Health Act 1983.

Cabinet member for education and skills who would be the cabinet member for health and wellbeing from 1 August introduced the item, details of which are contained within the agenda pack.

It was noted that it was important to get the right care in place for people when they left hospital.  There was a joint standard assessment methodology with the NHS.   Due to the merger of the Herefordshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and Worcestershire CCG, both counties were working in the same way. 

It was suggested that the voice of the user may be beneficial and the acting director of adults and wellbeing agreed to pursue this suggestion. 

The group leaders were supportive of the policy and suggested that the Health and Wellbeing Board and Scrutiny review the arrangements in due course.

RESOLVED that

(a)            The draft joint policy and draft standard operating procedure for section 117 mental health aftercare are approved; and

(b)            The Acting Director for Adults and Communities, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for health and wellbeing and the Director for Children and Families is authorised to make all operational decisions to ensure implementation of the policy and procedure, agreeing any operational changes to the documents, including those arising from case law, as required for their implementation.