Mental Health (Emergency Detention)

Part of the debate – in the Scottish Parliament at on 19 January 2016.

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Photo of Shona Robison Shona Robison Scottish National Party

I understand Mary Scanlon’s concern. On the shortage of mental health officers, there are issues around the requirements in relation to skill level and qualifications that immediately reduce the pool of people who are available. There are some issues there with the ability to recruit mental health officers. We need to look at that, and I am keen to look at what more can be done to expand the interest in that career.

We have to be cautious about the legislative suggestion that Mary Scanlon made because, as I set out in my original answer, where there is immediate, serious or life-threatening danger to the patient or others around them, it would be wrong to have to wait for a mental health officer’s involvement. In such a situation there are immediate concerns about welfare and safety and we can understand that, sometimes, things have to move quickly. However, it is best practice to involve a mental health officer. It is about getting the right balance so that we do not restrict action from being taken that is required for the immediate safety of the patient and, potentially, others around them, but we encourage the best practice of involving a mental health officer.

Again, I am happy to keep Mary Scanlon informed about the discussions that will be taken forward with the Mental Welfare Commission and the chief social work adviser.