Question
ACC Henderson advised he would share correspondence relating to the outline timetable of implementation of 2 pillars of Right Care Right Person.
Answer
There are four pillars within the Right Care, Right Person (RCRP) framework:
- Concern for Welfare
- Walk-outs from healthcare facilities and people absent without leave (AWOL)from mental health facilities
- Conveyancing
- Mental health detentions and voluntary attenders
The first stage of implementation commenced with the publication of the new Mental Health Code of Practice on 9 July 2026, which came into operation on 1 September 2026.
This work has been progressed and finalised within the RCRP framework, it was originally initiated following the recommendations following, the Coroner’s Inquests into the deaths of Michael and Marjorie Cawdery. The Code of Practice clarifies the roles and responsibilities of statutory partners involved in processes under the Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order 1986. The main focuses of the codes are;
- Improving handovers between Police, Health Agencies and other relevantbodies.
- Enabling earlier information-sharing to support decision-making.
- Strengthening multi-agency working
- Improving outcomes for people experiencing a mental health crisis.
Work is also ongoing during this phase to consider more appropriate health-based places of safety for those detained under the order. This is recognised as a longer-term area of focus.
The next planned phase relates to concern-for-welfare checks and is scheduled to launch on 31 October 2026.
Implementation dates for the remaining pillars have not yet been confirmed.
A more detailed briefing on RCRP is due to be provided at NIPB Partnership Committee meeting on 22 October 2026. There will also be an update report supplied in advance.