Edinburgh Napier University

  Care pathways for people in distress or with mental health problems who present to emergency departments or services are inadequate. This is a global issue, and one which profoundly affects Scotland. A coherent multi-agency whole system national strategy is urgently needed in order to prevent potentially avoidable poor health and justice outcomes of those affected. On 18 October 2019, at the Law Enforcement and Public Health Mental Health Special Interest Group Summit, 85 delegates met to discuss the current situation domestically and internationally. The purpose of the Summit was to develop plans for best inter-agency practices for dealing with mental health and distress in or around the emergency department, with a further aim being that these be applicable to national and international implementation. Delegates included people with lived and living experience, doctors, nurses, police officers, paramedics, academics, and policy makers. Experiences were shared with particular attention paid to examples of innovations in service delivery locally and internationally, and models of care that sought to address what were considered as key components required to improve responses to those presenting to emergency departments or services in mental health distress. Seven key areas were highlighted for action. Also available here: https://gleapha.wildapricot.org/page-1075335