Are people being referred to a&e via gp’s

[Takemebackto]

I’ve got an adult son who lives with me that regularly ends up in a&e due to his mental health. He’s recently been discharged from a unit. Hopefully it won’t come to needing it but in case it does. Will he be able to get a referral through our gp? As I know 111 are extremely busy and you can no longer attend without being told be a healthcare professional to go there.

A&E are still A&E. They still see whatever comes in the door. Covid or non Covid.
Though if you're worried about mental health, surely you have contacts and his psychiatric team you can call, before it gets to the A&E police stage.

Ours aren’t letting people in unless you’ve been sent there.

I am a mental health liaison nurse. We are still seeing people in a mental health emergency in A&E but unless there is a physical reason to be in A&E your ds should seek mental health support from either the crisis team or his care coordinator. As he has just left an inpatient unit he should have a 7 day follow up but this may be over the phone. All mental health trusts have been told to set up support phone lines at the moment.

Thank you. He often ends up in a&e due to harming himself. Obviously he’s doing his best not to end up in this situation. He can usually just turn up there but our local hospital are only accepting people that have either contacted 111 or been sent by their gp. As 111 are so busy I would imagine the gp would be a better option if it’s needed but unsure if you are allowed to contact the gp simply for a referral to a a&e.