Increase in A&E mental health services welcomed
The prime minister’s announcement that nearly £250 million will be invested in the NHS to provide mental health services in accident and emergency departments has been welcome by elected Police and Crime Commissioners.
The government has set out plans for specialist mental health staff to be on hand to provide care in A&E departments and refer patients for further support. This service will be 24 hours a day, 365 days a year in at least half of England’s acute hospitals by 2020.
Welcoming the announcement, Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill, Association of Police and Crime Commissioners lead for mental health services said:
“Those living with mental health issues are some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. The police service is often called to provide care and assistance to mental health patients, who can find themselves spending time in a police cell as immediate help is not available to them. This is clearly not the best way to support them.
“The plans set out by the prime minister will mean that specialist help and support will be available in A&E departments all year round so police officers can work with NHS staff to support these vulnerable people, giving them the care and support they need, and continue to protect the community.”