A groundbreaking collaboration between police and the NHS in Lanarkshire has revolutionized the way mental health patients are cared for, significantly reducing the strain on emergency services and providing optimal care for those in need. Since 2018, NHS Lanarkshire and Police Scotland have joined forces to address the increasing demand for mental health support, with the aim of improving outcomes for vulnerable individuals while freeing up valuable resources within the police force.
Chief Constable Jo Farrell highlighted the overwhelming demands of mental health calls, which were consuming a significant amount of police officers‘ time equivalent to 600 officers per year. This prompted a proactive approach to tackle the issue head-on, leading to the development of the Community Triage Service (CTS) in Lanarkshire. The CTS, a clinically led project, focuses on providing immediate support to individuals in distress, with the ultimate goal of reducing potential A&E attendance by around 80%.
Superintendent Andrew Thomson emphasized the impact of the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis on the increase in mental health calls, underscoring the importance of addressing these issues promptly and effectively. Previously, individuals in distress would be accompanied by two police officers to A&E, resulting in lengthy waits and potential deprioritization of their needs. However, under the CTS, patients are referred to a psychiatric liaison nurse and given a mental health appointment within the hour if appropriate, streamlining the process and ensuring timely access to care.
The success of the CTS is evident in the numbers, with around 2,000 people assisted in Lanarkshire in 2023. The majority of cases were triaged over the phone, with only a small percentage requiring A&E attendance. Feedback from professionals involved in the project has been overwhelmingly positive, with one sergeant describing it as one of the best tools available to the police force.
The implementation of formal distress training for police officers, as well as the shift towards a 24-hour service model in 2021, has further enhanced the effectiveness of the CTS. This patient-focused approach has not only improved outcomes for individuals in crisis but has also reduced the burden on A&E departments and frontline police officers, allowing them to focus on crime prevention and enforcement.
Martyn Evans, chairman of the Scottish Police Authority, commended the Lanarkshire project as a model for other regions to emulate. He emphasized the importance of a clinically led and patient-focused approach to mental health care, highlighting the need for timely interventions and compassionate support for those in need. The success of the CTS in Lanarkshire serves as a testament to the positive impact of collaboration between police and healthcare professionals in addressing the growing mental health crisis in society.
In conclusion, the collaboration between police and the NHS in Lanarkshire has set a new standard for mental health care, demonstrating the effectiveness of a proactive and patient-centered approach. By prioritizing the needs of individuals in crisis and streamlining access to appropriate care, the CTS has not only improved outcomes for mental health patients but has also alleviated the strain on emergency services and frontline police officers. This innovative partnership serves as a beacon of hope for other regions grappling with similar challenges, offering a blueprint for effective and compassionate mental health support.