The Herbert Protocol is an information gathering tool to assist the police to find a person living with dementia who has been reported missing as quickly as possible. 

The Herbert Protocol has now been launched in Edinburgh. We are encouraging people to find out more about the Herbert Protocol and pass the information on to anyone that it may be helpful for.

Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership, Police Scotland, Scottish Care and Alzheimer Scotland have been working in partnership to increase awareness and promote use of the Herbert Protocol in Edinburgh.

The Herbert Protocol is a nationally recognised scheme supported and endorsed by Police Scotland.  The initiative was first developed by Norfolk Police. It is named after George Herbert, a war veteran of the Normandy landings, who lived with dementia. George Herbert died whilst 'missing', trying to find his childhood home.

Who is it for?

This can be used for anyone who has a dementia diagnosis and may be at risk of going missing. People living with dementia often have loss of short term memory but can easily recall memories from decades earlier. Sometimes those who are reported missing are attempting to make their way to a place of previous significance to them.

What is it and how does it work?

The Herbert Protocol is an information gathering tool that encourages carers and families to record vital information on a form. This can be handed to police in the event of someone going missing.

It helps police to quickly access important information, avoiding unnecessary delays in gathering information at a time of crisis. The form records vital information such as where the person grew up, favourite places, former or current hobbies, GP contact details, medication, daily routine, a picture of the person with consent to share this on social media should it be required.

Once complete, the form can be retained by carers, or placed within the home or care setting in a safe but prominent position, so the information is easily available to police when required.  

Please pass on information on the Herbert Protocol to anyone it may be of use to. This can include colleagues, friends and family affected by dementia in Edinburgh. The completed form can be stored electronically as well as in paper form, but it is important that the family and friends of the person with dementia are the ones who keep the form.

Click here for the form.

People who look after someone, need to be looked after too.

Many people don’t choose to become a carer, they tell us, ‘it just happens.’

You may not even consider yourself to be a carer and just feel that you are looking after someone because that’s what family and friends do for each other. While this is often the case, it is widely recognised that caring for someone else can have a real impact on your own health and your own life and here at the practice we would like to make sure you can access the right help and support.

 You may:

• Be starting to care for someone- a relative, friend, partner, or neighbour
• Have been a carer for a long time
• Have recently stopped caring for someone or your circumstances may have changed.

You may not think you need support, but ask yourself:

• Could the person who you look after manage day-to-day life on their own?
• Could they cope without your help and support?
• Do you have enough time to think about yourself properly?
• Do you get a break for yourself?

If you answered ‘no’ to any of these questions, or feel you would like help and support with someone you are caring for, then we would encourage you to let us know you are a carer, speak to a member of the team or contact the NHS Carer Support team by calling 536-3371.

You can also click on the links below which contain useful information for carers.

Useful Links:

• Edinburgh Carer Support Team(based within the NHS)
• Carers Emergency Card(A service provided by Edinburgh Council)
• Volunteernet(A service provided by Edinburgh Council)
• Carers Scotland
• NHS Choices
• Short Breaks for Carers
• Carers Direct phone Line
• Link to carer training and events calendar