In recent weeks a number of concerns were highlighted by Approved Social Workers (ASWs) across various Trusts in response to a number of matters including:
- The legal status of the ASW role when asked to remain with clients following assessment either in the community or in emergency departments as a direct result of a delayed admissions due to a lack of mental health bed availability;
- Querying of staffing levels and resources putting additional stress on the limited numbers of ASWs resulting in health and safety concerns around breaks, time limits, late finishes etc;
- Some colleagues report concerns around access to information where current IT systems do not allow access to appropriate or relevant information.
- In one Trust recent discussions identified problems with bed availability and the impact on the service when ASWs are required to remain with the service user.
This received a response from Management which included:
- An acknowledgement that Management were liaising closely with the various relevant parties; Trusts, Emergency Department leads, Department of Health, bed managers etc, detailing the legal advice(s) and reiterating that the responsibility lies with each of the Trusts as opposed to ASWs to safeguard the service users who were assessed and are waiting to be detained due to lack of a bed.
- An emphasis that any measures implemented by each Trust need to be in place 24/7 not simply during the day.
- The issue is that these plans are in their infancy stage and don't readily address the ongoing issues.
We suggest NIPSA colleagues should seriously consider contacting their relevant local Trust management to check specific details of the measures they are going to be putting in place as well as a timeframe for these to address the ASW concerns.
ASW members report that the situation is not only adversely affecting their health and safety and overall well-being but patient safety, their families and the wider community.
Following the discussions with Departmental officials around Mental Capacity Act issues, it was noted that the associated concerns of ASWs highlighted by members feedback, would also require specific attention.
I would therefore ask all Trust representatives to engage with ASW members and report back to NIPSA via email to Terry Thomas with their concerns in order that we can get a comprehensive picture across Northern Ireland.
This will help us to find a successful resolution to these issues as soon as possible.
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