Decision on future of George Bryan Centre expected today
A DECISION on the future of services previously provided at Tamworth’s fire-hit George Bryan Centre is expected today.
Back in 2019, the huge fire destroyed the west wing of the Mile Oak centre which provided an assessment, care and treatment service for working age adults in an acute state of mental illness and a mental health assessment and treatment service for people aged 65 and over.
Today, Thursday, December 21, the integrated care board will be asked to approve a recommendation to permanently maintain inpatient mental health services at St George’s Hospital, supported by an enhanced community service offer.
Dr Paul Edmondson-jones, Chief Medical Officer, explained: “I wanted to update you on the next steps in our journey to finding a long-term solution for the inpatient mental health services previously provided at the George Bryan Centre.
“On 12 February, 2019, a fire destroyed the West Wing of the George Bryan Centre. Since then, the majority of people living in south east Staffordshire who have needed an inpatient stay have been admitted to St George’s Hospital in Stafford.
“An enhanced service has been in place in the community to support people to stay in their own home.
“The Staffordshire and Stoke-ontrent
Integrated Care Board (ICB), which has taken the place of the former clinical commissioning groups, and Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (MPFT) have been working to find a permanent solution.
“This has involved a public consultation and other work to ensure the process meets NHS England assurance.
“On 21 December, the ICB board will be presented with a decisionmaking business case and asked to approve the recommendation that we make permanent the temporary change and maintain inpatient mental health services at St George’s Hospital, supported by an enhanced community service offer.
“To do this, the board will have to give conscientious consideration to the views gathered during the consultation, due regard to the views of protected and minority groups, and ensure that consideration is given to the need to reduce inequalities.
“I want to thank everyone who has taken part in the consultation and previous engagement, your views and experiences have been vital for us to get to this stage, and for the board to consider.”
Chris Bird, interim Chief Transformation Officer for the ICB, added: “I want to thank all the people who have talked to us about their thoughts and views, and in many cases very personal experiences. This feedback is a vital part of our considerations when we meet as a board to make our final decision, looking at all of the evidence.”
You can read the board papers, and can register to attend the meeting through the ICB website at https:// staffsstoke.icb.nhs.uk/your-nhs-integrated-care-board/whos-involved/ board-meetings/.