making arrangements for admission

Last reviewed 01/2018

  • assess the patient and obtain the consent of the family - if possible, avoid asking the family to be responsible for signing section papers as they are likely to be the long-term carers and need the patient's trust

  • contact hospital to arrange the bed and arrange the psychiatrist's attendance if at all possible

  • if you are not from the patient's practice eg on call for a GP co-operative, an approved GP must also be called

  • contact an approved social worker and give the time that the consultant is expected at the venue

  • arrange an ambulance for the time the consultant is expected

  • contact the police if there is a risk of violence or of the patient absconding - the police have a legal duty to ensure a sectioned patient gets to hospital and so warn them if they are likely to be needed