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In a recent joint meeting of Bedford Borough Council’s Children’s Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee, and the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on Wednesday, July 17, Evergreen adolescent mental health unit reiterated its commitment to addressing emergency mental health needs among young people. The unit, based in Luton, serves as a crucial safety net for adolescents aged 12-17 experiencing complex mental health difficulties.
Evergreen's Comprehensive Approach to Care
The Evergreen unit is renowned for its multidisciplinary team comprising support workers, nurses, teachers, art therapists, psychologists, family therapists, occupational therapists, and psychiatrists. This holistic approach ensures that young people receive the comprehensive care necessary to manage their conditions safely. With an eight-bed capacity, the unit provides specialised short-term care that is unmatched in the community.
Handling Emergencies and High-Risk Cases
Cllr James Valentine (Labour, Kempston West) raised pressing questions about how emergencies and high-risk cases, particularly those involving suicidal tendencies, are managed. Valentine Dube, a mental health nurse and service manager for Evergreen, provided detailed insights into the unit's protocols. "We work closely with our CAMHS [Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service] crisis teams in the community," Dube explained. "They have a comprehensive understanding of which children require immediate services." He further elucidated that any child in crisis would either be directed through the emergency departments at Luton and Dunstable Hospital or Bedford Hospital, with immediate alert systems in place for CAMHS liaison colleagues.
Coordination with Police and Other Agencies
Dube also highlighted the unit's collaboration with law enforcement agencies. "The police play a crucial role in alerting us to any child who requires emergency care," he said. "If a child were to be picked up by the police, we would be notified and take necessary actions to provide appropriate care."
Continuous Monitoring and Review
The Evergreen unit holds regular meetings with the crisis team to review any children who come under their radar, ensuring that no child in need falls through the cracks. "We rarely take admissions out of hours," Dube noted, "but there's always provision for emergencies. Even if we're at full capacity, there will always be a bed available for a child requiring tier 4 acute service."
A Commitment Yet to Be Tested
Dube reassured that although the unit has not yet reached full capacity to the point of having to turn away a child, the commitment to always find space for emergency admissions stands firm. This level of preparedness underscores Evergreen’s unwavering dedication to providing immediate care when it is most critically needed.
A Lifeline for Those in Need
For individuals facing mental health crises, support is always available. Services like the Samaritans offer round-the-clock assistance. They can be reached for free at 116 123, via email at [email protected], or through their website www.samaritans.org.
By John Guinn
Local Democracy Reporter
