We are writing to you regarding the IAPT figures for your CCG as detailed in the Psychological Therapies: Annual Report on the use of APT Services for 2015 16 published by NHS Digital in October 2016. 

OCD Action is a national charity providing support and information to people affected by Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Two key elements of our national advocacy work are to improve clarity around treatment pathways and to promote people's right to make informed choices about treatment. 

OCD is a clinically recognised disorder which affects around 1-2% of the population. The published IAPT figures report that 1,399,088 referrals were received across England in 2015 and, of those, 13,123 were referrals with the 'problem descriptor' of OCD which is slightly less than 1% of all referrals, thus fitting with statistical estimates. 

From your website we see that your CCG covers a population of 260,000 and, assuming a conservative estimate of 1% of that population, that would mean that 2,601 people probably have OCD in Rotherham. Although it is possible that not all of that number would seek treatment it is disappointing that in 2015 your IAPT service(s) reported fewer than 5 referrals with the 'problem descriptor' of OCD (indicated in the Annual Report by an asterisk} and the same for those referrals entering and finishing a course of treatment .

 Question - We would be grateful if you could provide us with an explanation for such a low referral level and what measures Rotherham CCG plan to implement to ensure that referral and treatment rates reflect local need. 

RDaSH are currently experiencing problems accurately recording the problem descriptors i.e. OCD etc. In view of this the information quoted is incorrect. They are working to address this issue and gain a clear understanding of the number of referrals they receive with a ‘description code’ of OCD.