DAWLEY CENTRE FOR PSYCHOLOGICAL THERAPIES
ANNUAL REPORT 2002-2003

RISK MANAGEMENT Since the introduction of risk management screening, all clients referred have a standard Risk Management form completed. This on-going screening is reviewed as necessary. During the move from the Mount to Dawley in November, a health and safety inspection was completed on all aspects of the building and working environment.

CLINICAL Referrals remain high with 1049 during the past 11 months. On average 1790 clients attended for individual appointments with a further 414 attending for groups. The waiting time remains lengthy at around 6 to 7 months, although at times, it is necessary to prioritise certain referrals. We no longer offer assessment appointments, clients are now seen and if appropriate offered a service straight away. Group referrals have an approximate waiting time of 8 weeks depending on when the referral was received and at what stage the specific group is nearing completion. Most referrals come direct from G.Ps. At present 3 practices have adopted the opt-in scheme in principle, yet we still receive G.P. referrals as well from these practices. DNA rates remain high. This along with last minute cancellations leads to wasted clinical time. This is an area which is to be closely monitored in the following 12 months to try and identify possible reasons. Self opt-ins still carries a proportion of DNAs although not as high. The department is open late 2 nights a week offering individual and couples counselling appointments. As a large number of referrals have been received for anger management a new group has just started to respond to the demand.

STAFFING & MANAGEMENT There are 7.3 WTE clinical staff working in permanent posts, only 3 being fulltime. The use of Bank Counsellors has proved invaluable in covering staffing shortfalls over the last 12 months.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING Extra training is a priority if the service is going to continue to develop and meet the demands placed on it. Training needs are discussed at individual employment reviews annually. Below is training that staff have completed or are in the process of completing;
CBT
CAT
Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy
Diploma in counselling

Staff have also attended workshops relevant to their practice. 2 members of staff work for CRUSE on a voluntary basis Supervision is received by all staff, the frequency of which is based on individual need.

RESEARCH AND EFFECTIVNESS No statistics have yet been produced from the measurement tool that has been implemented in the last 12 months; returns of the questionnaire have been low. The 'thank you cards' that staff receive and feedback from the clients seem to be a good indicator.

SERVICE USER INVOLVEMENT Interviews for counsellor posts took place this year and two service users were involved in the interviewing process greatly assisting the selection outcomes.

THE MOVE November 4th 2002 was a big date for both staff and clients when we moved from the Mount to our new base in Dawley. An awful lot of work went on 'behind the scenes' clearing out years of outdated paperwork, equipment and surplus furniture that had been left by many different users of the building over the 14yrs it had been in use. All staff met the challenge and rallied together to make it as smooth as possible. There were numerous concerns about the move, which thankfully have not come to fruition and the feedback about Dawley has been favourable from both clients and staff.