Somerset health authorities have pledged to strengthen their mental health support services following the tragic stabbing of Taunton teenager Barnaby Webber and two others in Nottingham on June 13, 2023. Marking the second anniversary of this devastating event, the NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB) has unveiled a comprehensive action plan aimed at improving care for individuals with severe mental health issues.
After the conclusion of the criminal case involving Valdo Calocane, who was convicted for the fatal stabbings and is now detained in a high-security hospital, NHS England and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) conducted nationwide reviews of mental health services. These reviews identified critical gaps, particularly in the treatment and monitoring of patients with severe mental illness who are difficult to engage.
In response, the Somerset ICB has committed to a two-year transformation program focused on better integrating inpatient and community mental health services. Key measures include maintaining a “high risk of harm list” to keep senior leadership informed of vulnerable patients, enhancing risk assessment training to consider potential harm to others, and ensuring clear, legally compliant care plans are in place upon patient discharge—consistent with Section 117 of the updated Mental Health Act 1983.
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A significant challenge remains the frequent disengagement of severe mental health patients from regular appointments, which increases risks of deterioration and potential harm. To address this, Somerset has implemented rigorous procedures to monitor patient contact and conduct “disengagement meetings” when patients become unreachable. Furthermore, the development of the Somerset Integrated Digital Electronic Record (SIDER) will enable seamless sharing of patient safety plans across healthcare providers and local authorities, reducing repetitive patient interviews and improving crisis responsiveness.
The plan also emphasizes increasing treatment availability within Somerset to minimize out-of-county referrals and enhancing communication with patients’ families to provide comprehensive support.
William Barnwell, Associate Director for Mental Health, Autism and Learning Disability, stresses that while the initiative requires an estimated £3 million for full implementation, this funding has yet to be allocated by the Department for Health and Social Care. NHS England has advised prioritizing cost-neutral actions, awaiting potential crisis care funding announced in recent fiscal statements.
The ICB will present an updated progress report to NHS Somerset’s board in September, aiming for continuous improvement in mental health service delivery and safety.