Our Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) has introduced a new way of working which allow patients to pick their appointment dates and times.
The service is now using the CAPA (The Choice and Partnership Approach) model. Developed by CAMHS consultant psychiatrists, this innovative model combines working closely with children and young people and has been successfully used across a number of countries.
Through the CAPA model, the service will offer eligible young people a ‘choice’ appointment, allowing them to choose the time and date of their appointment, making it more convenient and accessible for them. This significant development will help to ensure children and young people receive the support they need when they need it.
Pauline Izat, general manager, Specialist Children’s Health Services, Health & Social Care North Lanarkshire, said: “We have re-organised all of our clinicians’ working weeks to allow enough time for patients referred to the service to receive a ‘choice’ appointment within 4-6 weeks of being referred.
“The CAPA model has been designed to ensure that young people are at the centre of their care and that their needs and preferences are taken into account. It is a collaborative approach that involves young people, their families, and clinicians working together to develop a plan that meets their individual needs.
“We believe that the CAPA model will be transformational for CAMHS and will help us to provide even better care for young people in Lanarkshire.
“The whole CAMHS team is committed to improving the mental health and wellbeing of young people, and we are confident that the CAPA model will help us to achieve this.
“The introduction of the CAPA model is part of our ongoing commitment to providing high-quality care to young people in Lanarkshire. The service will continue to work closely with young people, their families, and the wider community to ensure that everyone has access to the support they need.”
Children and young people see another team/clinician from the one they had their first appointment with. This is to make sure the service can offer a wide range of appointments so young people can choose appointments that suit them.
The introduction of CAPA comes weeks after the official opening of the new £1.5 million CAMHS specialist centre in Hamilton.
The new outpatient facility treats young people under the age of 18 years’ old who are experiencing mental health issues.
Based at Udston Hospital, the specially designed centre offers services including CAMHS assessment, neurodevelopmental treatments, talking treatments, psychiatry and medication.
The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, hosted by Health & Social Care North Lanarkshire, assesses and treats young people with emotional, behavioural or mental health difficulties.
