Mental Health Bill

The Mental Health Bill is in its final stages in Parliament. The Bill included proposed amendments that would have required paramedics and other healthcare professionals to detain individuals experiencing a mental health crisis and remove them to a place of safety, powers that are currently held only by police constables. 

These changes, which relate to Section 135 (entry with warrant into private premises) and Section 136 (detention in public places), were due to be implemented without consultation with the professions expected to enact them.

The College maintained throughout that any legislative changes affecting paramedics and the patients they care for must be subject to proper consultation. Following campaign work from the College and partner organisations, Baroness Merron announced in the Commons on Monday 24 November that the government will now consult on the proposed amendments to Sections 135 and 136. 

The consultation will seek views on appropriate powers, responsibilities, and joint-working models to ensure that both healthcare professionals and police have the right tools to protect people in crisis from harming themselves or others.


Link to our report: Survey analytics, data findings and recommendations Mental Health Survey Report v3 (003)
Latest news: College of Paramedics Welcomes DHSC Commitment to Consult on Changes to the Mental Health Bill
FAQ: MH Bill update FAQ Nov 25.pdf
Next steps: We will contact members when the consultation opens