Highland Care Programme Approach (CPA)

Co-ordinating Service

The Care Programme Approach (CPA) is a National Initiative intended to ensure that people, 16 years and over, with severe and enduring mental illness plus people with a learning disability who also have complex health and social needs have co-ordinated packages of care.

The Chief Executive of NHS Highland and the Directors of Local Authorities of Highland and Argyll & Bute are jointly responsible for ensuring that the Care Programme Approach functions efficiently in their area. The operation of the Care Programme Approach Co-ordinating Service is overseen by the Care Programme Approach Management Committee.

CPA Management Committee

The Care Programme Approach Management Committee meets every three months and they determine and develop policy and monitor functioning of the Care Programme Approach Co-ordinating Service.

The members of the Care Programme Approach Management Committee (both Mental Health and Learning Disabilities) are representatives from NHS Highland (each CHP), Local Authority - Social Work, Housing and Property Services, Police, Voluntary and Private Sector Service Providers, General Practitioner, Consultant Psychiatrists, Prison Service, Users/Carers and CPA Practitioners Group.

The Management Committee can co-opt further members, if required.

CPA Practitioners Group – North NHS Highland

The Care Programme Approach Practitioners Group was set up not long after Care Programme Approach was implemented in Highland. The main aim of the Group is to look at guidelines, paperwork and good practice relating to Care Programme Approach. The Group meets approximately every three months and reports to the Care Programme Approach Management Committee.

The Group consists of people involved with clients who are being referred for Care Programme Approach or who are included on Care Programme Approach. This includes Hospital and Community Nurses for Mental Health and Learning Disability, Social Workers, Allied Health Professionals, Police, Housing, Voluntary Sector Service Providers and a Consultant Psychiatrist.