Overview

• The proposed changes to the Mental Health Bill would allow NHS staff to detain and restrain mental health patients without police presence, a power currently reserved for police officers.
• A coalition of health organizations, including the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the British Medical Association, has issued a joint statement warning of the risks to safety and therapeutic relationships with patients.
• Critics argue that police play a crucial role in mental health emergencies, such as assessing safety risks, which health professionals are not equipped to handle alone.
• The government opposes the amendments, citing concerns about additional strain on NHS resources and the potential for harm to patient and staff safety.
• The National Police Chiefs' Council supports the proposal, stating it could ensure vulnerable individuals receive appropriate care without feeling criminalized.