News
A joint approach to mental health issues
Pictured: PC Paul Nikeas (right) with colleagues from Bolton Hospital in the new 136 unit
OFFICERS and staff around the Force are helping to tackle mental health as the number of incidents rise at an alarming rate. One of the most common problems is the length of time officers have to stay at hospital with patients detained under section136 of the Mental Health Act. The police are often the first point of contact for people with mental health issues and there isn't always 24 hour support for these vulnerable people when they need it. There are often delays when, for instance, the person is drunk or injured or when the person is waiting for an assessment or for a bed to become available. There is already some excellent work underway in a number of divisions to help tackle these issues. Oldham Division has introduced a telephone triage pilot. Working in conjunction with Pennine Care, officers can now contact a mental health professional 24/7 who has access to health systems. Based on the information they receive about the patient, the officer is then able to make a more informed decision to deal with the problem and also able to link in with the individual’s care plan. Since the pilot began there has been a 40 per cent reduction in the number of section 136 cases as alternative action has been taken. An assessment of the pilot is now taking place with a view to
implementing this across Greater Manchester. In Bolton, PC Paul Nickeas has built up an excellent rapport with the staff at Bolton Royal. His work has led to investment in a new section 136 facility, which can house intoxicated persons without the need for officers always to remain. A similar suite is due to be introduced in Salford. Former Supt Dave Wilkinson spent many hours waiting in hospitals with patients and understands the frustrations of officers today. He is now working to strengthen the links between GMP, the NHS and other agencies. He said: “My number one task is to create a Strategic Mental Health Management Board to oversee issues around mental health and policing. The group will have representation from all four mental health trusts as well as GMP, North West Ambulance Service, NHS England, Adult Social Care, voluntary sector organisations and the Police and Crime Commissioner’s office.” He is currently working to ensure all the good work across Greater Manchester is captured and is introducing a ‘Navigation Centre. This will provide officers with telephone access to all four mental health trusts 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Officers will be able to call and speak to health professionals who may have more information on people currently
in police care. The centre will also have an A&E facility where patients can be treated immediately and an area for patients to sober up before assessment, negating the need for officers to stay.
LEADING THE WORLD IN ANPR: Visitors from Abu Dhabi flew to GMP to observe a large Automated Number Plate Recognition operation in Manchester City Centre. During the operation more than 60 cars were stopped. Eleven cars were seized for no insurance, 17 traffic reports were issued and VOSA detained four un roadworthy vehicles. Pictured are: Det Sgt Trevor Eaton with visitors from Abu Dhabi.
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