How to Access the Service

To be referred to the Alternative Treatment Service (ATS), your former GP practice must send a request to Cardiff and Vale Health Inclusion Service (CAVHIS).

They can only do this if:

• You are (or were) registered at the practice — either permanently or temporarily
• You were involved in an incident towards a staff member, another patient, or a visitor
• The incident happened at the GP surgery or during a GP appointment
• The incident was reported to the police, following NHS rules (GMS Regulations 2023)

📝 What happens next?

• The GP practice fills out a special form called the All Wales ATS Incident Report Form
• They send it to the Cardiff and Vale Primary Care team
• This team checks the documents and sends them to the ATS panel
• The panel decides whether to accept or reject the referral
• If the GP practice disagrees with the decision, they can appeal

⏳ How long does someone stay in ATS?

• Most people stay in the ATS for 12 months
• After 12 months, the panel will do a risk assessment
• If the person is now low risk, they may be supported to register with a new GP