SAPOL and NALHN co-responder trial proving to be a success

01 May 2023

A new trial program run by NALHN and SA Police (SAPOL) to support people in the northern suburbs experiencing a mental health crisis is proving to be highly successful after six months of operation.

The Mental Health Co-Responder trial program involves experienced mental health clinicians working alongside police officers to respond to police call-outs where mental health might be a factor.

mental health nurse and police officer standing next to police car
Pictured: Mental Health Co-Responders (L-R), Hannah Joseph (NALHN) and Cons. Claire Hatchard (SAPOL).

Since the trial commenced in September 2022, the program has received 289 callouts, with 227 people avoiding an Emergency Department presentation.

The program allows mental health assessments to be completed during the callout and connects consumers with community-based mental health services.

Specialised follow-up by a NALHN mental health clinician is also provided to ensure appropriate support is in place, reducing the likelihood of a police callout in the future.

Dianne Callahan, NALHN Director of Nursing for the Division of Mental Health said that these results show the strength of this partnership between SAPOL and NALHN to change the outcome for people experiencing a mental health crisis and ensure they received the support they need in the most appropriate care setting.

“We know that hospitals are not always the best place for people experiencing a mental health crisis, and the success of the Co-Responder program in its first six months shows there are other ways to help people receive the care they need without the need for an emergency department visit.”

The Co-Responder team operates from the Elizabeth Police Complex seven days a week, 11:00 am to 11.00 pm, over the 12-month trial.