See also Autism Provision by NHS Primary Care Trust 2012.
Dear Sarah
Thank you for your email requesting information from NHS Bolton.
NHS Bolton does not currently commission services for Autism but are reviewing our policy with the aim of having a new one by 1 October 2012.
We have been working on developing services for autism across health and social care including a care pathway where we have been working with the National Autistic Society. This should be complete shortly.
We have held various awareness raising events and have carers on many of our groups.
In terms of prevalence we use the national statistics.
We are currently in the process of commissioning a diagnostic service from Greater Manchester West NHS Foundation Trust (GMW). The package includes training for GMW staff and support for both service users and carers. The assessment of both amounts to 14.5 hours so this will be a very thorough assessment. For the complex cases there will also be sessions to improve social interaction.
The PCT is looking currently at e-learning, link workers and more specialist training as well as working with Bolton Council to develop holistic training for a wide range of agencies etc.
Bolton Council currently offer personal budgets for those with substantial or critical needs.
NHS Bolton do not commission GMW to provide a service for pure ‘Asperger’s’ where there is not a mental health issue although clearly they do see people with such ‘dual needs’. Bolton Council also provide services to those with learning disability/autism. It is the group in the middle i.e., Asperger’s where there is as yet no service, but there will be post October 2012.
I appreciate that this response is not specific to the questions below as we do not hold the information. However, we felt it may be helpful to advise you on the process and what the PCT are working towards.
Regards
Suzanne
Suzanne Bell
NHS Bolton
Freedom of Information Queries – contact 01204 462220
Smartcard Queries – contact the IT helpdesk on 01204 462222 or email pcit@bolton.nhs.uk
The information contained in this email, has been released from Bolton PCT in response to a request made under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All information was accurate on the date of its release.