A NEW scheme has been set up in Forth Valley to help trace vulnerable missing people, including those with dementia.

NHS Forth Valley and Police Scotland have joined forces to launch the Herbert Protocol in the area.

The Herbert Protocol is a well-established initiative already used elsewhere in Scotland and the wider UK.

It involves a detailed form to be completed with vital information such as a recent photograph, contact details, routines and significant locations, which can then be provided to police officers and used to save vital time in a missing person inquiry.

Nicola Wood, NHS Forth Valley’s Alzheimer Scotland dementia nurse consultant, said: “It is traumatic when a loved one goes missing, especially if they have dementia.

“Often missing people head to locations which were familiar to them or try to find people who mean a lot to them.

“Having this type of information on record could save their life or prevent them becoming seriously injured.”

The scheme is available to everyone registered with adult care services in the Forth Valley area including people living with dementia or similar conditions.

Families can also fill out the forms for vulnerable relatives living at home who are at risk of going missing.

Superintendent Mandy Paterson, safer communities Forth Valley division, explained: “Speed is of the essence in any missing person enquiry - the longer someone is missing, particularly if they are vulnerable, then the greater the risk to them.

“The Herbert Protocol ensures all relevant information can be passed quickly to police, and will provide vital assistance to officers in their search efforts.”

For relatives in a care home, staff there should be contacted initially by a family member to discuss filling in the Herbert Protocol form and it can then be included in an individual’s care plan.

The paperwork can also be obtained through any police station or can be downloaded from the Police Scotland website for relatives living at home and should be stored within the home.

Visit https://www.scotland.police.uk/your-community/forth-valley/ for more information.