Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has achieved Advanced Foundation Trust status – which it says will help improve services for patients.
The trust delivers the CAMHS children and young people’s mental health services in West Berkshire, and is one of the first trusts in the country to receive the new national mark of excellence from NHS England.
The status recognises high-performing NHS organisations that consistently deliver excellent care, strong leadership, financial sustainability and value for money, while also demonstrating the ability to improve health outcomes for the communities they serve.
But the whole system is subject of much criticism, largely blamed on funding shortages, as a report to the council’s own children’s mental health and emotional wellbeing task and finish group says there is an increasing and worsening trend of school pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs in West Berkshire.
Good mental health and wellbeing for all children and young people is a key priority in the Health and Wellbeing Strategy for the district.
It says poor mental wellbeing in childhood increases the likelihood in later life of poor educational attainment, anti-social behaviour, drug and alcohol misuse, teenage pregnancy, and involvement in crime, along with wider mental health problems.
Families in West Berkshire are also actively backing a major national petition calling for an independent government inquiry into unacceptable Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) waiting times and delays.
Led by Tom Tunney, a father from Thatcham whose child waited over two years for support, the petition has gathered tens of thousands of signatures. It urges the government to address the long waits, limited communication, and lack of ongoing support for diagnoses like autism and ADHD.
ADHD Right to Choose assessments were paused by Berkshire’s regional health board because of an £8m overspend a few months ago.
Berkshire Healthcare was selected as part of the first national cohort to undergo the independent assessment process, following its Outstanding Care Quality Commission rating, strong operational and financial performance, and track record of innovation and partnership working.
Advanced Foundation Trust status gives Berkshire Healthcare greater autonomy and flexibility to make decisions locally – enabling the Trust to respond faster to the needs of patients, staff and communities and to further strengthen partnerships across Berkshire and beyond.
Chief Executive, Julian Emms, said: “Achieving Advanced Foundation Trust status is a hugely significant milestone for Berkshire Healthcare and a proud moment for everyone connected to the Trust.
“This recognition reflects the dedication, compassion and professionalism of our staff, the strength of our partnerships, and the trust our patients and communities place in us every day.
“Most importantly, this status is not an end point – it is an opportunity. It gives us greater freedom to improve services, invest in innovation, and work even more closely with our partners and communities to improve health outcomes and tackle inequalities.
“Our ambition remains clear: to be a great place to get care and a great place to give care.”
Advanced Foundation Trust status is designed to support organisations that are leading the future direction of the NHS, particularly the national shift towards more care delivered in communities, greater use of digital technology, and a stronger focus on prevention and population health.”
For patients and communities, the trust says the new status will help accelerate improvements including:
• Faster and more joined-up care
• Greater use of digital services and technology
• More personalised and preventative healthcare
• Stronger partnership working across organisations
• Increased focus on reducing health inequalities
• Improved investment in community and mental health services