The development of a Health ‘Support whilst Waiting’ page on the West Sussex Local Offer which has detailed guidance, resources, and links to a wide range of condition specific information (Neuro-developmental Pathway, Speech and Language Therapy (SALT), Physio, Dental, Community Paediatrics and CAMHS). There is ongoing monitoring of impact via feedback and newly established Task and Finish Groups.
In terms of early impact, positive feedback has been received from professionals and parent carers. The site activity is also high, with over 1000 site click since August 2024.
Improvement work currently sits under the children and young people Mental Health Task and Finish Groups within the Integrated Care Board (ICB), with a focus initially on communication in relation to early help and support. The ICB SEND page has also been updated with dedicated information around what you can access whilst you are waiting, including detailed information on “Right to Choose”.
NHS Sussex has finalised its own contractual arrangement with three Right to Choose providers to enable greater alignment with local arrangements, alongside quality oversight.
Initial stages of exploring future commissioning arrangements in relation to this provision as outlined in relation to adults’ assessment pathway above.
GP webinar to support with Right to Choose guidance.
The use of data to review performance improvement work will be transferred over to the ICB to lead in this area going forward. Wider support work continues via programmes such as Partnership for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools (PINS), this includes a day-long workshop on Communicating Well with parents and carers, in which schools can create their own communication strategy.
In addition to this, support webinars are providing information on the communication strategy that underpins the system-wide action plan, to ensure that families are aware of what is available to them. These cover:
- ‘Neurodivergence and Mental Health’ with a psychotherapist
- ‘Auditing and Adapting the Sensory Environment of Primary Schools’ with occupational therapists
- ‘Unmasking Hypermobility and Neurodivergence’ (SEDS Connective)
- ‘Understanding Children’s Strengths and Skills’ (Changing Chances), and ‘Using a Relational Approach to Supporting Dysregulated Children’ (Changing Chances).
Planned next steps include working with providers, parent carer forums and other partners to develop better and more consistent communication for service users whilst waiting.