Plans to transition the responsibility for managing individuals experiencing mental health crises from law enforcement to NHS staff, which includes doctors, nurses, and psychiatrists, have been met with significant opposition from medical professionals. These plans, proposed by former Prime Minister Theresa May and supported by two former health ministers, involve amending the Mental Health Act to allow mental health nurses, psychiatrists, or doctors to detain individuals in crisis situations, thereby becoming “authorised persons” under the Act. However, a coalition of eight medical organizations, ambulance service leaders, and social work directors have raised serious concerns, arguing that such a shift would place mental health staff at increased risk and damage their relationship with vulnerable patients.
Mental health experts argue that entering a person’s home without permission, especially without police intelligence and backup, is fraught with risks to their safety. They emphasize the critical role of police officers, who are currently the only ones authorized under the Mental Health Act to detain someone in crisis. These officers possess the necessary skills, equipment, and legal authority to handle potentially volatile situations safely. The involvement of police is seen as essential, particularly in instances where individuals may be at an immediate risk to themselves or others.
Critics of the proposal, including high-profile figures and medical associations such as the Royal College of Psychiatrists, the Royal College of Nursing, and the British Medical Association, warn that taking away police involvement in mental health crises could lead to dangerous outcomes, including potential fatalities. They argue that clinicians, whose primary role is to provide therapeutic care, should not be expected to perform tasks akin to arresting individuals, especially given the inherent risks involved.
Opponents of the plan also include the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, the College of Paramedics, the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives, the British Association of Social Workers, and the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services. Labor MP Rosena Allin-Khan, an A&E doctor and former shadow cabinet minister for mental health, has expressed concerns about the proposed amendments, warning that they could jeopardize the safety of healthcare staff and erode patient trust.
The Department of Health and Social Care shares these concerns, highlighting that extending police powers to health professionals would significantly alter their roles and responsibilities, potentially compromise patient, public, and staff safety, and strain an already beleaguered NHS. The department is opposed to the change, arguing that it would place additional burdens on the healthcare system as it strives to rebuild services fit for the future.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/may/26/plans-for-nhs-staff-to-restrain-those-in-mental-health-crisis-dangerous-medics-say
