The aim of the events was to facilitate shared learning for achieving sustainable discharge of forensic patients to the community.
During the events, case studies of patients who had been recalled to secure services following discharge were shared and discussed as a group to identify challenges with current ways of working. Participants also explored innovative ways for addressing the challenges.
Topics discussed included the recall process, the function of the team and staff wellbeing. There was also a focus exploring FOLS admission criteria, approaches to risk reduction and the process for discharging patients to secondary care.
It is hoped that in future sessions colleagues from local police forces will also be able to attend to share their experiences with the FOLs teams.
Damien Kealey, Senior Forensic Pathways Manager for the Kent, Sussex and Surrey Provider Collaborative for Secure Care said:
"These events are really helpful for sharing learning and strengthening relationships between the FOLS teams and the Provider Collaborative."
The learning events take place twice a year. The next one is scheduled for Friday 13 September 2024.