In a groundbreaking collaboration between police and the NHS, a project in Lanarkshire has significantly reduced the potential attendance of officers at A&E for mental health patients. Since 2018, NHS Lanarkshire and Police Scotland have joined forces to provide optimal care for individuals experiencing mental health crises, resulting in a remarkable 80% decrease in officers‘ potential A&E visits.
The demand for mental health services has surged in recent years, with Chief Constable Jo Farrell highlighting that mental health calls were consuming a substantial amount of police resources equivalent to 600 officers per year. This surge in demand, exacerbated by the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis, prompted the need for a more efficient and effective approach to handling mental health-related incidents.
The Community Triage Service (CTS) in Lanarkshire, spearheaded by clinicians, has been instrumental in supporting vulnerable individuals in crisis. Since its inception in June 2023, the CTS has freed up an estimated 20,000 officer hours, demonstrating its effectiveness in managing mental health calls. The success of the project has been recognized by the Scottish Police Authority (SPA), which has lauded it as a model for other regions to emulate.
Under the CTS, individuals in distress are referred to a psychiatric liaison nurse (PLN) and provided with a mental health appointment within the hour if deemed appropriate. This streamlined approach ensures that patients receive timely and specialized care, reducing the need for police officers to accompany them to A&E for extended periods.
Feedback from professionals involved in the project has been overwhelmingly positive, with one sergeant describing the collaboration as one of the best tools available to the police. The primary focus of the initiative is on delivering optimum care for patients, while also alleviating the strain on A&E services and frontline police officers.
The success of the Lanarkshire project has prompted discussions about expanding similar initiatives to other areas. Martyn Evans, chairman of the SPA, emphasized the importance of a patient-focused and clinically led approach to addressing mental health challenges. He highlighted the need for timely interventions and support for individuals in crisis, rather than prolonged waits in emergency departments.
Superintendent Andrew Thomson emphasized the significant impact of the project, noting that potential attendance at emergency departments had decreased by approximately 80%. This reduction not only benefits patients by providing them with prompt and appropriate care but also allows police officers to focus on their core responsibilities, such as tackling crime.
Overall, the collaboration between police and the NHS in Lanarkshire serves as a shining example of how innovative partnerships can lead to improved outcomes for individuals experiencing mental health crises. By prioritizing patient care and streamlining processes, the project has demonstrated the potential to transform mental health services and alleviate pressure on both healthcare and law enforcement resources.