To ask who it is that does section 136 assessments

[Stressesd70]

Is it a psychiatrist that has known the person before or an on call type one?

As in a mental health assessment instigated by the police?

The on-call one.
Yes Hopefully.

Where are the on call ones usually based in the community teams?

Where I am the process is as follows:

If we have concerns about a persons mental health (imminent risk of harm) we’d call an ambulance for an initial assessment, or there’s a number we can call where the person can have a basic assessment over the phone. Based on that we would detain under S136 if appropriate and transport to the nearest 136 suite where they are assessed by staff working there.

Thank you so these staff working on the unit for that reason? I was led to believe it’s a psychiatrist from the community team on an on call rota

It might be different depending on area. We take people to a dedicated 136 suite, which is parter of a larger mental health facility and so assessments are carried out by the appropriate member of staff on duty (or more often the next morning once the person has sobered up).

Why do you ask?

In our trust it is an on call psychiatrist from a Rota attached to the crisis team most often. If there is a psychiatrist who knows the patient and is available they might be asked, but they dont have to attend.

Worth perhaps mentioning that the Section 136 is instigated and maintained by a police officer for a maximum of 72 hours and the assessment under the mental health act takes place during this period (so the 136 isn't an assessment itself).

Here it would be the on call psychiatrist in the mental health unit at the hospital.

They are the same psychiatrists that work in the community teams.

My son has just been put on one which is why I’m. I know he a psychiatrist but didn’t know if this one would attend

I hope everything is ok and your ds gets any help he needs.

Thank you I do to

On call who ever is on the rota today here.

Ah think he he was hoping his community one would come!