The Single Point of Contact (SPoC) / Blue Light Line (BLL) has been developed to improve outcomes for individuals presenting in crisis to Emergency Services and other partner agencies. Workig alongside Rapid Response, the service aims to reduce the amount of time emergency services spend on scene supporting those experiencing mental health difficulties.
BLL/SPoC practitioners use their clinical expertise to support complex decision-making, offering guidance and signposting to the most appropriate services for individuals in crisis, including those experiencing self-defined crises. This approach supports improved outcomes for both patients and carers.
The service operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, providing a single point of access for information and clinical advice. A key aim is to ensure that alternatives to the use of Section 136 are fully considered before this power is exercised. It also provides advice to Ambulance colleagues, helping to reduce unnecessary conveyances to Emergency Departments unless there is a clear medical need.
In addition, the service acts as the single point of contact for partner agencies, including Sussex Police and SECAmb, coordinating access to Hospital-Based Places of Safety (Section 136 suites). It also undertakes triage, coordination, and allocation for Havens, whether as an Alternative Designated Place of Safety or for informal extended assessment and support where clinically indicated.
To receive information from emergency service colleagues, and give advice and support based on the clinical presentation of a person in crisis, including a self- defined crisis.
The SPoC/BLL practitioners will work collaboratively with the team's Rapid Response practitioners, coordinating the response to support emergency services and be deployable 'at scene' when this is required.
This approach further aims to minimise the use of S.136 when safe to do so, or reduce the need for conveyance to an ED when there is no physical health need. The SPoC/BLL will work collaboratively with Trust bed management and with Havens supporting patient flow to ensure capacity.
Complete written records that outline the presenting need for each referral, intervention offered and the outcomes. When required, using clinical skills and knowledge, advise police colleagues on alternative means of support available to avoid the use of S136, offer least restrictive practice and gain the best outcomes for those in mental health crisis.
Advise paramedics on alternative pathways to mental health assessment without the need for conveyance to A&E when there is no medical need.
To have experience of and specialist knowledge on interventions to be able to lead in clinical area.
To demonstrate excellent communication skills and provide handovers of activity.
To work in partnership with other agencies to gain the best person -centred outcomes for the individual.
We provide mental health and learning disability care for children, young people and adults across Sussex and for children and young people in Hampshire.
Working in Sussex:
- Travel easily between coast and countryside, with a blend of picturesque villages and seaside towns
- Embrace the city life with great access to visit Brighton and London
- With easy access to Gatwick and Heathrow and excellent railway links across the UK there is plenty of opportunity for adventure
We’d love you to join our organisation that is rated ‘good’ overall and ‘outstanding’ for caring by the CQC. Our staff agree, in our recent staff survey 82% told us that they recognise that care for patients is our top priority.
In order to be a successful senior member in our team you will be:
- Registered with the NMC, Social Work England or HCPC
- Experience working in mental health services
- Knowledgeable of factors which can impact on safety and service user experience
- Knowledgeable of factors which can impact on safety for emergency service colleagues.
Shifts are long days and evenings over 7 days but we will consider flexible working. The shift requirements ensure this post has generous enhancements attached to it.
It is essential you have:
- Either experience in an Urgent Care setting, ideally a CRHT or psychiatric liaison
- Or experience of crisis assessment in any setting that provides a safety care plan.
See attached Job Description and Person Specification for full details.
