The 12-month transitions service pilot will also support young people who are placed in out of area placements.
The transitions service works with young people and their families to ensure a safe and sustainable discharge process from inpatient settings to community settings. The model for the new PICU and LSU transition services in Hampshire is based on a similar successful model in Dorset.
The design of the service aligns with the proposed new clinical model for Children and Young People’s Intensive Mental Health Services, which is being led by NHS England. The aim is to provide a service that enables and delivers early supported discharge from in-patient units.
The new transitions service will work with young people and their families for up to eight weeks post-discharge. The service model focuses on sustainability with an emphasis on social prescribing whilst maintaining a health/ therapeutic relationship focus. The aims are to:
- Reduce length of stay and prevent risk of readmission
- Co-ordinate discharge and transition planning to prevent delays
- Coordinate repatriation and flow from out of area services
- Reconnect with local services, providing meaningful opportunities for children and young people
- Support with care planning and risk management
- Support families with education and management of expectations and service provisions
- Create opportunities within the community for recovery, supporting with post discharge care where appropriate.
The service at Serenity Path Hospital is successfully helping young people to experience a smooth discharge from inpatient services as well as reducing the length of stay and likelihood of re-admission.
Work is ongoing to develop similar services in Kent and Sussex. If you would like any further information regarding the transitions team or future developments of these services, please contact spft.
