Walsall hospital’s plan for ‘place of safety’
A ‘place of safety’ could be created at a Walsall hospital where people suffering from mental disorder can be taken for care or control.
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Black Country Partnership NHS Foundation Trust has put forward a proposal for a Section 136 Place of Safety facility at the mental health clinic Dorothy Pattison Hospital in Alumwell Close.
If approved, the extension to the existing building will see two Section 136 suites created which would have bedrooms with associate en-suites and observation areas along with waiting areas, a kitchen and toilets.
Walsall Council planning officers are expected to make a decision on the proposal next month.
Agent Fleet Architects said: “Section 136 was initially introduced during the changes to legislation to the Mental Health Act 1983.
“Under Section 136, the police have emergency powers to assist you if they believe you have a mental disorder, are in a public place, and require immediate assistance.
“The police must believe that you need immediate “care or control.”
“A Section 136 suite is a facility that offers a “place of safety” for those who are detained by the police under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act.
“This facility is utilised to assess potential mental health needs and arrange ongoing care under the Mental Health Act.
“While detained in a place of safety, the police can keep you there for assessment purposes. You cannot leave unless the police give their consent, and they can prevent you from leaving.
“The police can exercise their emergency powers if they believe it is in your best interests or the interests of others.
“The police do not require medical evidence to hold you in a public place or take you to another place of safety.
“However, they must consult a health professional, such as a doctor, nurse, approved mental health professional, occupational therapist, or paramedic, before detaining you under their emergency powers, if possible.
“You can be under supervision in this section for up to 24 hours. During this time, a health professional will assess your mental health as soon as they can.
“The police can also extend it an additional 12 hours if it isn’t possible for the assessment to be done before the end of the 24 hours or if your assessment is still going on at the end of the 24th hour.”
