Section Summary

In 2016, service users received a range of clinical programmes and services accessed through structured and defined inpatient, day-patient and outpatients care based on need, urgency and service user preference. Demand is a parameter of health service quality to provide information about how the organisation structures and resources its services, and thus the quality of these services. Information regarding service demand allows for the timely and appropriate resourcing of all day services. In 2016 day programmes continued to be improved and enhanced to allow for greater choice of services for service users and referrers. While the number of referrals to SPMHS day services decreased, attendance remained relatively strong, indicating a greater understanding of the services available and therefore more appropriate referral pathways. In 2015 56.6% of all those referred commenced a day programme. In 2016 that figure increased to 62.42%.

The reduced number of referrals and subsequent attendances at Day Services in 2016 following an upward trajectory in previous years is similar to a trend seen in 2010/2011, and can be attributed to a number of factors e.g. inpatient occupancy, geographic spread and economic conditions. As with 2010/2011, this change in referral and attendance patterns is an opportunity to reassess the timing and delivery methods of our programmes into 2017.