Many thanks for your interest. But there is a bigger plan. So I hope you can hold on that. I don’t want this to sound like a ‘trial by social media’ of SLAM or any one organisation. The issue is a national one. See National Nightmares: s136(2A) and s136B time limits
Some may recall that I failed to get data from ICBs because they do not hold or keep such data. What’s happening in the background is that my alternative strategy is coming together.
I came across someone who is a highly intelligent researcher not in psychiatry - who has a big interest in this topic. We’re planning to construct a new template for FOIA requests on the S136 issues and send out to every Trust (or Board) in England & Wales.
So far AI assisted searches has brought up:
England: 48 mental health-sector NHS trusts.
Wales: 7 Local Health Boards covering mental health.
I do not know as yet if that is accurate.
I’m asking for volunteers to join the effort. We divide up the work. If we have a group of 4 or 5 (so three more people needed), then we can collaborate and send out. In say within a week of finalising the template of questions. Then we wait approximately 20 days for results.
My co-researcher and I will be responsible for data analysis. The data will be shared among 5 as well as all analysis for clarity and accuracy checks.
So then we will have a really big picture of the national situation analysed by geographic area etc. You’d get good graphical data and tables etc. This could become paper for publication in a reputable journal. Those who assist in development, distribution of FOIA requests (electronically) from WhatDoTheyKnow website, and write up, will be co-authors.
Those willing to join the effort will need to be familiar with use of OneDrive for collaborative work (No special IT skills required. If no volunteers, we’ll proceed anyway in the next week. But that may mean a bit of a longer wait for the national picture.