This in from the police, in their own words. Ed
An innovative frontline collaboration is aiming to strengthen the service given to people at risk from mental health issues on the Isle of Wight.
Hampshire Constabulary and the Isle of Wight NHS Trust are working more closely together to manage incidents involving vulnerable members of the public who may require specialist support or where there are concerns for their safety.
Operation Serenity
The initiative, called Operation Serenity, was launched at the beginning of November and comprises of a police officer and a qualified mental health practitioner responding to mental health crisis calls in a marked police car.
The need for this type of provision was identified with the growing number of police attended calls that relate to issues surrounding mental health. Analysis shows that the Isle of Wight police receive an average of 79 calls per month of this nature.
Six-month pilot scheme
The objective of the six-month pilot scheme currently operating on Friday and Saturday evenings is to provide adequate and accurate response to persons in crisis and reduce the time spent dealing with incidents by supplying a better initial diagnosis.
It also offers both officers and NHS staff the opportunity to benefit from cross over training, spotting early warning signs and to develop an understanding of the challenges faced by each agency.
Chief Inspector Nick Heelan said: “Care in the community has increased in the last 10 years and projects such as Operation Serenity show the adaptability and commitment of both the police, NHS and partner agencies to educate staff to ensure we deliver the best possible standard of service.
“We’re keen to test and analyse the effects of Operation Serenity which was funded by the Community Safety Partnership. Whilst this programme has only been running for three months, early signs are very positive and we look forward to a full review after six months.
It may well be looked at as a blueprint for other areas both locally and regionally as well as enabling us to design future services to cater for those individuals identified as most at risk.
Project is already showing benefits
Community Health Deputy Associate Director, Community Health Directorate at Isle of Wight NHS Trust, Mark Edmond, said: “This important project is already showing benefits for patients, the NHS and Police. Where ever possible we want to ensure that patients are treated in the most suitable and appropriate environment. One in ten of us will suffer from a problem with out mental health at some stage in our lives and there are many other ways to provide treatment and support on the Island without the need for an admission to Sevenacres.”
