24/7 HCP Line
Provider
Initial Response Service (IRS) – 24/7 Health Professional Line
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Can offer advice and/or arrange for same-day assessments remotely or in person. If already known to specialist mental health services, the IRS will contact the appropriate team.
Referral criteria
Aged 18yr or older with:
- High (but not imminent) risk of suicide, harm to others (through violence or aggression) or incurred through exploitation or vulnerability.
- Risky behaviour associated with thought disturbance e.g. psychosis, delirium, dementia.
- Need for Mental Health Act assessment.
Not exhaustive.
Exclusions
- Stable mental health condition with no need for acute intervention.
- Dementia assessment.
Required information prior to referral
- Consent.
- Up-to-date contact number for patient.
Referral process
If no acute medical need, phone the 24/7 Health Professional Line on (01209) 881 999.
Alternative services
If acute medical need, such as deliberate self-harm or overdose, admit to RCHT ED for Liaison Psychiatry review after medical assessment.
If refusing assessment, consider calling 999 in emergencies or 101 in non-emergencies and request a police welfare check.
Review date |
30th November 2023 |
Next review date |
30th November 2024 |
Clinical editor |
Dr Laura Vines |
Contributors |
Dr Jeremy Sandbrook, consultant psychiatrist Jane Pitts, operational manager crisis services |
Version |
1.0 |