Our statement on implementation of Right Care, Right Person model | News

The health and wellbeing of Londoners is the top priority for members of the Cavendish Square Group, a collaboration of the ten NHS trusts that provide mental health services in the capital.

We know that every day across London and beyond, people struggle with their mental health. In some cases, they need care during a mental health crisis. Everyone deserves to have this support delivered compassionately by those who are most appropriately skilled and trained to provide it.

Mental health services should not be seen in isolation. We provide support as part of a wider ecosystem with colleagues from acute and primary healthcare, the police, local authorities and the charity sector.

Whilst there is already significant partnership work underway to reduce the pressure on frontline policing we agree with the principle of the Right Care Right Person (RCRP) model as set out by Sir Mark Rowley in recent announcement. The aim to reduce demand on police services whilst improving the outcomes for individuals struggling with their mental health is one we fully support. Frequently, the police are not best placed to respond to the needs of someone experiencing a mental health crisis. But all too often they are called upon by those who do not know where else to turn.

The RCRP model originally developed in Humberside was the result of over three years of detailed partnership working by the police, ambulance, mental health, acute hospital and social services. The Humberside Police force outlined an important learning from its programme: clear partnership working. If we want to make a difference to the lives of Londoners, we must work together. All partners need to work towards a realistic, agreed timeline supported with appropriate funding and resources to ensure long term sustainability.

As the NHS mental health leaders of London, we recognise that the Metropolitan Police deadline of 31 August would be unsafe and that is why we endorse NHS England's proposals for the development of London Partnership Board to address these important issues and to set a realistic timeline. We believe this would help focus on delivering actions to achieve shared ambitions. It will give the Metropolitan Police the confidence that the additional pressures the police are facing will be addressed, it will help the NHS deliver the care it should, and it will ensure that, together, we provide a better public service for London.

Finally we look forward to the publication of the Mental Health Concordat which we feel will play a key role in helping us create the shared impetus for the positive changes needed to support people in a mental health crisis across London.

Cavendish Square Group