‘No cost’ in constables losing sectioning role

SHIFTING responsibility for sectioning mental health patients from parish constables to social workers will not incur extra cost, according to deputy Health minister Barry Brehaut.

When someone was deemed to have possible mental health issues and no family were on hand, the constables have historically mediated between the patient and the authorities.

Deputy Brehaut said that in order for someone to be sectioned two doctors would have to give their findings, as well as next of kin. A constable would be involved only if there was no appropriate family members available.

Under the new mental health law, social workers would take on that role.

Deputy Barry Paint, who is also senior constable of Castel, was concerned there would be cost implications.

But Deputy Brehaut dismissed that fear.

‘It would be at no extra cost because an existing post would carry out that role,’ he said.

‘A social worker with background in mental health would determine the patient’s care path in the absence of a next of kin.’

He said it was high time the system was changed. (from thisisguernsey)

I agree with Deputy Brehaut, how can person with no mental health qualifications take a decision to section someone, the system definitely needs changing...

The present system cannot be Human Rights compliant, so must change to fit in with our modern times.





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Has to change but there will be an extra cost