Mental health ‘ambulance’ trial to begin

Anew mental health “ambulance” team has been approved for a six-month trial in Levenmouth. Area committee councillors agreed to spend £91,857 from the community recovery fund to implement and test the “mental health triage car”.

Fife’s Health and Social Care Partnernship (HSCP) says the investment is necessary to address the increase in emotional distress and mental health calls to police.

“Mental health, addiction, self-harm or attempted suicide plays a part in over 80% of calls to police in Fife,” the report to committee stated.

“The pandemic has undoubtedly had an impact on mental health in Levenmouth and cause for concern calls continue to increase and have become a massive part of police day-to-day work.

“It’s believed only one in five calls to Police Scotland are related to crime.”

The mental health triage car would free up not only police time and resources, but would also reduce the strain on accident and emergency centres, according to Fiona McGuire, NHS Fife’s clinical services manager for mental health adult pathways.

“At the moment, if anyone displays any sort of emotional distress the only avenue for police is to take them to A&E to look at whether a secondary care mental health referral is needed.”

Currently, 85% of Levenmouth’s mental health assessments show no need for a significant follow-up.

“The implication is that it’s emotional distress people are experiencing which has a significant impact on their functioning at that time, but is not a significant mental health disorder,” Ms McGuire said.

“This is what the triage car would predominantly look at and it would free up police and A&E time.”

Councillors scrutinised the nuts and bolts of the trial, but there was no argument about whether it was needed in the Levenmouth community.

Councillor John O’Brien (SNP for Buckhaven, Methil and Wemyss villages) was happy to support the mental health ambulance.

Referencing a conversation with Fife’s chief superintendent of police, Mr O’Brien said he was aware mental health call-outs are draining police time and resources.

The triage car will be dispatched in the same way police and ambulances are through 999.

When the team arrives, there are two possible outcomes: The team can stabilise and de-escalate the situation and point the patient to community support and/or make appropriate referrals, or it can directly liaise with secondary mental health care services and help with safe transportation.

The triage car will operate 8pm-6am, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

The trial will start as soon as there is availability of staff.

FREED UP: Police spend time taking people with mental health problems to A&E.