A significant overhaul of the 111 emergency services’ approach to managing mental health crises is underway, aimed at facilitating the delegation of responsibilities to mental health support organizations, announced by the government.
The ongoing co-agency trial initiatives, presently operational in six police districts, will undergo a gradual expansion over the next half-decade, according to statements by Police Minister Ginny Andersen on Wednesday. These collaborative programs encompass the participation of “police, mental health professionals, and ambulance officers, and in some instances, iwi,” Andersen emphasized.
Health Minister Ayesha Verrall disclosed plans for the implementation of nationwide co-response teams, with a comprehensive proposal anticipated for submission by March 2024. The forthcoming plan aims to articulate the transitional shift from a police-centric reaction to a multi-agency response for 111 calls related to individuals in mental distress. The envisioned timeline for this evolution spans over the subsequent five years, as specified by Verrall.
A recent study conducted in Wellington demonstrated that co-response teams engendered a reduction in hospital admissions and emergency department visits. Minister Ginny Andersen underscored that the alteration in handling mental health-related 111 calls will introduce a multi-dimensional approach to response.
Andersen conveyed that approximately 10% of all 111 calls pertain to mental distress, which has an impact on police resources designated for addressing criminal matters. This allocation of resources also aligns with data from November 2021, which indicated that police were facing challenges in promptly addressing mental health-related calls, including suicide attempts. Police Commissioner Andrew Coster acknowledged a 10% annual surge in police responses to mental health crises.
In delineating the intent behind the revamp, Andersen acknowledged that while the police will always play a vital role in responding to emergency situations involving threats to life or public safety, the prevailing police-led approach may not consistently align with the requirements of individuals undergoing mental distress.
Further initiatives encompass enhanced call triage procedures, the expansion of telehealth services, and the establishment of multi-agency crisis hubs to alleviate the stress on emergency departments. Health Minister Verrall also articulated a commitment to exploring avenues for imparting heightened mental health-related training to existing personnel.
Notably, the United Kingdom executed a similar initiative last month, aiming to redirect the demand from police to mental health professionals. The move was anticipated to liberate a substantial one million police hours annually.
