A partnership in North West London has seen a 40% reduction on pre-pandemic admissions to acute mental health wards for children and young people.

The North West London CAMHS Provider Collaborative, in partnership with Real World Health, has resulted in children and young people being less likely to be admitted to a mental health ward. Most are now cared for outside of hospital, with only 5% of children presenting to CAMHS in crisis going on to be admitted to Tier 4 inpatient care.

Mental health issues among children and adolescents have been a growing concern, with many young people facing prolonged inpatient stays and limited access to appropriate community-based care.

Richard Lyle, head of commissioning and contracting West London NHS Trust/the NWL CAMHS Provider Collaborative, said the approach had consolidated previously ‘scattered data’ and helped provide evidence for where resources would have the biggest impact.  ‘We’ve become better informed about what works, enabling us to have more meaningful discussions with our commissioning ICB and local authority partners.