AQW 30802/22-27
Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry
Tabled Date: 10/09/2025
Answered On Date: 25/09/2025
Priority Written: No
Question:
To ask the Minister of Health to detail how (i) Emergency Departments; and (ii) other statutory agencies such as the PSNI, meet the needs of those in suicidal crisis.
Answer:
Implementing the new Regional Mental Health Crisis Service is a commitment in the Mental Health Strategy 2021-2031, under actions 12 and 27. My Departmental officials and the Public Health Agency are working in partnership to deliver on both of these actions to develop a Regional Mental Health Crisis Service for all citizens of Northern Ireland. The components of the proposed regional mental health crisis service are: accessing mental health crisis services, primary care and interagency partnership, community crisis service, mental health liaison service and crisis resolution home treatment. Future state work has commenced across lifespan services including scoping what a good service would look like. A draft Regional Mental Health Crisis Service Lifespan Pathway has been presented to relevant stakeholders. Stakeholders have provided feedback on the draft pathway and how best to take forward the next phase of work of the Regional Mental Health Crisis Service model. A Mental Health Liaison and Crisis Response Home Treatment Care Network has recently been formed which includes all key stakeholders. This Care Network’s aim is to ensure consistent evidence-based practice, equitable access to care and improve service user outcomes. As an alternative to ED attendance two initiatives were piloted for individuals with mental health needs but not requiring acute physical care. Firstly, The Multi Agency Triage Teams (MATT); which is currently only operational in two Trust areas with PSNI being one of the stakeholders within MATT. Secondly, The NI Ambulance Service pilot initiative Hear and Treat (SEHSCT area); which includes mental health professionals in their control rooms. These two services offer a suitable alternative to transporting patients with mental health issues to busy Emergency Departments. The Department needs to await the receipt of the evaluations to consider how best to proceed with these regionally. In order to develop and roll out the Regional Mental Health Crisis Service, additional funding will be required.
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