RQIA Independent Review of Child and Adolescent Mental Health ...

3.4 Profile of the Western Trust
The Western Trust was established on the 1 April 2007 following merger of
three trusts. The Western Trust covers a large geographical area including
Londonderry, Limavady, Strabane, Omagh and Enniskillen. The population
of the trust is 296,909 with 28 per cent of population under 18 (source
NISRS). From 1 January 2010 Western Trust included 16 and 17 year olds
within their CAMH service.
CAMHS provision includes a primary mental health service at tier 2 dealing
with mild to moderate mental health problems. A consultation service is
provided by referral coordinators. CAMHS provide assessment and planned
intervention with complex mental health problems.
Community CAMHS include teams which provide assessment and treatment
for young people with moderate to severe mental health issues. In addition,
an eating disorder service is also provided at tier 3 which offer an
assessment and management service for young people with a recognised
eating disorder. An intensive care management service is a communitybased
service providing assessment and treatment for young people with
severe psychiatric and psychological difficulties at tier 3. The Western Trust
has access to a range of voluntary and statutory services and the regional
trauma service.
The Western Trust has reported a year-on-year increase in referrals, peaking
in March 2010. Western Trust was the only trust to receive more female
referrals than males in the 11-15 age range (see graph 4). For age group
16-18 years the Western Trust has the lowest percentage rate for referral.
CAMHS did not provide a service to those aged over 16 until January 2010.
The Western Trust was able to provide background information in relation to
the referrals received. Referrals of disabled children, children on the child
protection register and Looked After Children (LAC) had been received. No
referrals had come from the youth justice system. Across the three age
ranges: 5-10, 11-15 and 16-17 years, the number of children receiving a
service after referral was 67 per cent.
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