The College of Paramedics welcomes the Department of Health and Social Care’s (DHSC) decision to launch a formal consultation on proposed changes to Sections 135 and 136 of the Mental Health Act. The announcement follows sustained advocacy from the College and other healthcare organisations, who raised serious concerns about the implications of the proposed legislation.
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.
Chief Executive Tracy Nicholls said:
“I want to express my sincere gratitude to all our members who took the time to share their experiences and insights throughout this process. Your voices have been instrumental in ensuring that the realities of frontline practice are fully understood. I would also like to thank Baroness Merron and the wider DHSC team for recognising the importance of a more comprehensive consultation. This decision will allow for a far more informed and collaborative approach. One that supports our profession and, most importantly, safeguards the patients who find themselves in deeply vulnerable circumstances and rely on a skilled, compassionate team to help them through crisis.”
Earlier this year, the College gathered feedback from members and produced a detailed report outlining concerns regarding the proposed changes. This report was shared with DHSC policy advisers, MPs, and members of the House of Lords, ensuring that the voice of the profession was central in shaping the debate.
College of Paramedics Policy and Public Affairs Manager Mandy Powell said:
“This is a great result for the College and our members. It means that future government policy will be informed by the professional experience and expertise of paramedics. Sincere thanks to all our members who take part in our surveys and calls for evidence: this announcement demonstrates the power of our collective voice.”
Jo Mildenhall, Paramedic Psychological Health & Wellbeing Manager at the College said…
“This is an important step in ensuring both paramedics’ and patients’ voices are heard and their expertise recognised. I welcome this consultation as the right approach to a complex issue that demands thoughtful consideration. I look forward to the College’s active role in the scoping of the consultation and in shaping solutions.”
The consultation will be led by the DHSC with input from the College and other key stakeholders. The College will continue to update members as further information becomes available and will provide opportunities for members to contribute to the consultation process.