South Yorkshire partners come together to the benefit of mental health crisis patients

The pathway sets out the section 136 process from the initial point of contact with the police and includes the consultation requirement in line with South Yorkshire procedures.

Adults across South Yorkshire who need a health-based place of safety in a crisis will ALL receive the same consistent care and approach thanks to a collaboration between public sector organisations in South Yorkshire.

On behalf of The South Yorkshire Integrated Care System (ICS) Mental Health, Learning Disability Programme - a collaboration of key partners from South Yorkshire Police, Mental Health and Acute Trusts, Local Authorities, Yorkshire Ambulance Service, Emergency Departments and NHS South Yorkshire - have developed a ‘South Yorkshire Section 136 Pathway and Standard Operating Procedures for Places of Safety’ that sets out key principles and provides a consistent pathway of care for adults to ensure a high quality and coordinated response to crisis.

Section 136 is part of the Mental Health Act that gives police emergency powers. Police can use these powers if they think someone is having a mental health crisis and needs immediate help. They will take the individual to a place of safety for a mental health assessment by a registered and qualified Section12 Doctor.

The new South Yorkshire Section 136 pathway and standard operating procedures launched this month have been welcomed by colleagues across the ICS.