Introduction Detention under section 136(1) of the Mental Health Act 1983 allows for the police to arrest a person from a public place and remove them to a 'place of safety', typically an emergency department or mental-health unit if it is 'in the interests of that person or for the protection of other persons in immediate need of care or control'. Aims/objective: The aim of this study was to describe the views and perceptions of the process for people with lived experience of mental distress who have been detained under section 136 of the Mental Health Act 1983. Method Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a non-probability sample of people with lived experience of mental distress who have been detained under section 136 across Greater London. Interviews were transcribed and thematically analysed using grounded theory. Fifty-eight people with lived experience of mental distress detained under section 136, including four carers, participated in this study. Results Three interwoven themes were identified: (a) process or procedural issues; (b) the professional-patient relationship; and (c) the importance of a supportive therapeutic environment. Conclusion The length of time, multiple assessment points and processes juxtapose against the need for a humane physical environment and supportive therapeutic interactions from all professional agencies. It is unclear how changes proposed in the Policing and Crime Act 2017 will address these patient needs.

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Health services are susceptible to changes in health need, resource allocation, public-health debates and health policies. Service mapping is considered a useful tool for analysing complex issues, monitoring changes over time and facilitating change. It also enables one to describe pathways of care and the relationships between services. This article centres on two projects--a London-wide project 'Service networks for HIV Care' and a local survey 'Mapping of HIV-related services for illicit drug users'--and demonstrates the usefulness of mapping for both studies. Mapping of service networks allowed exploration of a variety of connections between treatment centres, and led to recommendations for a model of HIV service networks across London. The mapping of HIV-related services for illicit drug users confirmed that the service provision was balanced in time, space and target groups, but also identified gaps showing that services were not very successful in attracting women and members of ethnic minority groups. It is clear from both studies that mapping provides an overview of existing services, describing details of services, their target groups or links. It can assist to monitor changes over time, to reconfigure services according to need, and to target resources where need becomes apparent. Mapping exercises also can be useful in identifying new areas for collaboration and interagency work.

Health services are susceptible to changes in health need, resource allocation, public-health debates and health policies. Service mapping is considered a useful tool for analysing complex issues, monitoring changes over time and facilitating change. It also enables one to describe pathways of care and the relationships between services. This article centres on two projects--a London-wide project 'Service networks for HIV Care' and a local survey 'Mapping of HIV-related services for illicit drug users'--and demonstrates the usefulness of mapping for both studies. Mapping of service networks allowed exploration of a variety of connections between treatment centres, and led to recommendations for a model of HIV service networks across London. The mapping of HIV-related services for illicit drug users confirmed that the service provision was balanced in time, space and target groups, but also identified gaps showing that services were not very successful in attracting women and members of ethnic minority groups. It is clear from both studies that mapping provides an overview of existing services, describing details of services, their target groups or links. It can assist to monitor changes over time, to reconfigure services according to need, and to target resources where need becomes apparent. Mapping exercises also can be useful in identifying new areas for collaboration and interagency work.