Police custody referrals
NHS Forth Valley mental health emergencies
- When people who have been arrested and placed in police custody need mental health assessment, Police Custody Healthcare nurses will make this assessment.
- If Police Custody Healthcare Service decide a specialist mental health assessment is required immediately, the police custody service should discuss with the Forensic Physician/Forensic Medical Examiner (FME) and liaise with police about the potential transfer of the patient out of custody.
- Police Custody Healthcare nurse should then contact MHAATS to discuss arranging assessment.
- If the person will be at imminent risk while detained in police cells, assessment in the MHU, FVRH can be arranged.
- A full mental health assessment should take place including risk assessment.
- Assessment should include whether the person’s healthcare needs can be met in police custody or whether an inpatient admission is required to support their mental health needs.
- In all cases where admission is identified as being necessary, this must be discussed with the on call Consultant Psychiatrist in NHS Forth Valley.
- If admission is appropriate police will liaise with inpatient ward providing information about charges/alleged offences and how this will be taken forward by police.
- If admission is not necessary the person should be returned to Police Custody and healthcare staff there made aware that the person has been returned, and relevant information shared.