New Protocol for Transferring Apprehended People to Local Hospitals Under the Mental Health Act

Wednesday, 24 November 2021 13:07

The three hospitals in Oxford County, the OPP and Woodstock Police have agreed to a new protocol to transfer people into the hospital after they are apprehended by police under the Mental Health Act.

OXFORD COUNTY - The three Hospitals in Oxford County, the OPP and Woodstock Police have agreed to a new protocol to transfer people into the hospital after they are apprehended by police under the Mental Health Act.

The new protocols will be in place for Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital, Woodstock Hospital and Alexandria Hospital in Ingersoll. The agreement outlines the responsibilities of every signatory for a safe, seamless and timely transition of person under arrest between police officers and hospital staff.

Woodstock Chief of Police Daryl Longworth and Oxford OPP Detachment Commander Anthony Hymers released a joint statement saying this protocol will help protect the rights of the person arrested.

"This protocol will ensure the rights of those apprehended, including the right to privacy; enhance collaboration of community partners; allow for more efficient use of police resources; and increase the safety for all involved."

The Hospital CEO's, which includes s Perry Lang, President & CEO of Woodstock Hospital, and Sandy Jansen, President & CEO of Alexandra Hospital Ingersoll and Tillsonburg District Memorial also released a joint statement on the new protocol.

"Establishing a comprehensive protocol for these transitions will enhance our existing working relationship with our community partners and will allow us to improve outcomes for people experiencing a mental health or addictions-related crisis when they are brought to one of our hospitals by an officer."

The protocol includes joint educational sessions to support front line staff. The new protocol will also be extended to include other community stakeholders such as paramedic services, community-based mental health and addiction agencies, and peer and family supports.

This new protocol was developed to further improve the outcomes for individuals experiencing mental health or addictions related crisis as well as to decrease police officer wait times during a transfer of custody.