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There's been a 10% rise in the number of adult patients referred to mental health services in Guernsey with an increasing number of complex cases being seen among those.
During 2023 1,677 out patient referrals were made - up from 1,327 in 2022.
The island's first Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy Annual Report states that the increase in referrals, alongside the complexity of those cases, "highlights the needs for appropriate resource and resilience planning".
In contrast, the number of occupied bed days on the adult mental health special ward (Crevichon Ward) at the Oberlands decreased slightly when 2022 was compared to 2023.
The Report has also highlighted an area of concern around the number of cases involving cannabis, leading to patients being admitted to the Oberlands.
In 2019 - prior to the introduction of medicinal licences for cannabis - just 4% of the total number of inpatient admissions at Crevichon Ward were related to cannabis use. By 2023 that had risen to 25%.
Relating an admission to cannabis use does not mean that the plant solely caused the mental health issues the patient may be experiencing - but it is listed as a contributory factor.
The report states that "in collating these figures, clinical judgement has been used as to whether it is more likely than not that admission is linked to the patient’s cannabis use".
The statistics have been revealed in the Bailiwick of Guernsey Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy Annual Report 2023.
It is the first annual report of its type, written following the release of the Bailiwick's Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy for 2023-2029.
Deputy Marc Leadbeater is the Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy Steering Group Chair.
"These findings have reinforced the approach of project prioritisation within the Mental Health & Wellbeing Steering Group, who are currently working on a number of the published actions to improve efficiency and care experiences for those with mental ill health in the community," wrote Deputy Leadbeater.
"Further details of the progress of these projects will be released as and when each project develops within 2024, and within the 2024 annual report alongside updates to the data presented within this year’s report."
Comprehensive plan laid out for future of mental health provision
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