Out-of-hours mental health scheme launched

Monday 04 December 2017

A new pilot scheme involving mental health nurses being available out-of-hours has been launched, to help emergency services support islanders with mental health problems.

Community Triage involves a Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MHNP) accompanying or assisting the Police or the Ambulance Service at incidents where there is concern about the mental health of an individual.

As part of the scheme, mental health nurses are on duty between 17:00 to 09:00 during the weekends and bank holidays. It is available for islanders aged 18 to 65 years old. It has already been used on four occasions.

The idea of the scheme is to stop people with mental health issues being locked up in a cell. 

The mental health nurse will be available to attend incidents across the Island and will also provide advice by telephone.

 The aim of the pilot scheme is to work in collaboration to:

• improve the service user’s experience
• avoid unnecessary detentions under Article 47 of the Jersey Mental Health Law
• reduce repeat attendances to the Emergency Department
• improve collaboration between agencies and enhance information sharing

Jo Poynter, Director of Operations for HSSD, explained: “All vulnerable people need help swiftly, and we’re delighted to be working with our police and ambulance colleagues on this important pilot. Although it’s in its early stages, we’re encouraged that it’s been used several times already, and that people are getting expert help and the right intervention when they need it most.”

Pictured: The Health Minister, Senator Andrew Green, was amongst those to praise the new scheme, which he said "addresses an important need."

Chief Ambulance Officer Peter Gavey welcomed the pilot, saying: “The Ambulance Service is pleased to be a part of this multi-agency initiative that will deliver a more personalised and discreet service to people in crisis in the community, so that they are offered the right service in the right place and at the right time.”

Chief Inspector Mark Hafey, at States of Jersey Police, added: “We support this excellent initiative and look forward to working with our partners to further enhance the service provided to Islanders who seek support at difficult times.”

The Minister for Health and Social Services, Senator Andrew Green said he was delighted the scheme was up and running. “We are committed to doing all we can to assist vulnerable people who need support with mental health. It is as important as physical health, and having this out-of-hours service addresses an important need.”