Carers of vulnerable people with dementia in the Highlands are urged to fill out a Herbert Protocol form which will provide vital information to officers from Police Scotland if they go missing

Anyone who is caring for a vulnerable person with dementia in the Highlands is being reminded that they can use a special form to provide information about them to the police and other agencies if they were to go missing.

Last year Police Scotland, together with agencies across the care sector in the Highlands, launched the Herbert Protocol – a well-established initiative that aims to assist in tracing vulnerable people who have the condition, in the event of them being reported missing by family or carers.

The Hebert Protocol is a document that can be populated with vital information such as a photograph, contact details, medication required and significant locations relating to the individual.This information can be used by officers to save time in responding to a missing person enquiry.

PC Alastair Bryce, the missing person co-ordinator for the Highland and Islands Division, said: “Across the division Police Scotland regularly responds to missing person reports. When dealing with complex vulnerabilities, including dementia, it is very important that we are able to quickly obtain important information to guide our enquiry at an early stage.

"We are delighted to see our partner agencies using this system to gather and store information in a way that can be provided to police should the need arise.

"This scheme can provide families with peace of mind knowing that they are prepared should they need to report a loved one missing.

"If you live or care for someone suffering from dementia, I would urge you to consider completing a Herbert Protocol form. Even if the person has no history of going missing, there is no guarantee for the future. If the member of your family is within a care setting, please discuss this with the care provider.”

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