Four in five mental health patients referred to counselling in time

Some 80 per cent of people are being seen within six weeks of referral, and 98 per cent are being seen within 18 weeks, Blackpool Health and Wellbeing Board heard.

The target is 75 per cent within six weeks and 95 per cent within 18 weeks, documents revealed.

“In noting this achievement, the board expressed the view that steps should be taken to ensure this performance continued into the future,” documents read.

The board, which met at the Solaris Centre, New South Promenade, last week, heard from the CCG’s head of commissioning Helen Lammond-Smith, who said the town has the fifth highest rate for all mental health conditions.

“Ms Lammond-Smith outlined her view that there were significant advantages in addressing issues in organised ways of joint working, such as through the Blackpool Mental Health Alliance approach to dealing with community health,” papers added.

The board is made up of councillors and professionals.