The second phase of a new Suffolk police policy to ensure that vulnerable people are given the right support from the right agency when they need it is now live.

'Right Care, Right Person' sees the force working with health and social care partners to ensure that vulnerable people are given the right support from the right agency when they need it.

Police will continue to protect the public where the risks presented need a policing attendance.

The first phase introduced on 1 October 2023, was geared to situations that when there are concerns for a person's welfare linked to mental health, medical or social care issues, the right person with the right skills, training and experience will respond.

The second phase (introduced 1 March) looks to address situations when people have unexpectedly left a healthcare setting. This relates to people walking out of hospitals, GP surgeries and mental health establishments or any other NHS facility where a patient may have attended for treatment.

The police do not have the power to bring patients back to a health care facility against their will unless they are under arrest, have been detained under the Mental Health Act or the Mental Health Capacity Act has been applied.

Police have no duty to take action with people who have left a health and care facility unless:

-There is a real and immediate risk to life or serious harm

-Or the individual is a person within the care of the police.

ACC Eamonn Bridger said: "As we said with the initial phase keeping people safe in Suffolk is our priority and we are steadfast in our commitment to attend incidents where the risks presented requires a policing attendance.

"We also reiterate that we must continue to focus on the core responsibilities of the police to the community to prevent and detect crime, keep the King's peace and protect life and property.

"However, this second phase is to address situations where we are contacted by health and care facilities to return people back to a health setting where they have unexpectedly left or are requested to check on their welfare.

"If particular thresholds are not met, police are entitled to expect the health agency to conduct reasonable actions to locate the person. Where the concern for someone's safety is not critical, those healthcare professionals should be making those initial enquiries.

"It's important to emphasise our professional, close working relationships with relevant partners continues as the programme moves through its various phases and close monitoring also remains in place to understand any impact from the change in approach."

Similar schemes have already been adopted and Suffolk's adoption is part of a national roll-out of the scheme to all police forces in the country.

Jason Joseph Head of Mental Health System Change on behalf of NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board said:

"We are pleased with how the roll out of Right Care, Right Person has gone to date and will continue to work closely with our partners and support Suffolk Constabulary as the initiative progresses.

"As always it is vital that those most vulnerable in our communities have access to the protection and support they need. 

"For those who experience a mental health crisis or social care emergency, they must receive fast and effective care and support from the most appropriate professional who is qualified to respond.

"Over the coming months, we look forward to evaluating the implementation of the programme."

Police and Crime Commissioner for Suffolk Tim Passmore said: "I am particularly pleased with the progress of the Right Care Right Person initiative in Suffolk and following the initial launch in October, I am confident the second phase will be equally successful.

"It is absolutely vital that people suffering with mental ill-health are attended to by properly-qualified practitioners. Police officers are not such practitioners, but they will of course still respond where there is a risk to life, or a crime is being committed.

"We have been talking to partners about Right Care Right Person for over two years ago now and will continue to do so, sharing information about the implementation. It is important these regular updates continue as the development of this shared approach is already proving to be very beneficial."

*The procedure does not deal with those that leave children care facilities. Any child who leaves a health or care facility unexpectedly should trigger local safeguarding procedures.

Current proposed timeline of phased introduction:

Phase two – March 2024: Leaving health care facilities/mental health establishments

Phase three - Spring 2024: Transportation – non secure/secure ambulances

Phase four – Summer 2024: Mental Health Act Section 136