Dynamic Support Register
Part of Somerset’s Dynamic Support and Admission Prevention Pathway
The Dynamic Support Register (DSR) is a confidential record used to identify adults with learning disabilities and/or autism who may be at increased risk of crisis or unplanned hospital admission.
Its purpose is to ensure people receive the right support at the right time, and that services can respond proactively when risks begin to rise.
The DSR helps health and social care partners work together to monitor risks, plan support, and prevent avoidable admissions.
What the DSR does
The DSR is used to:
- Identify people who may need additional support to stay well in the community
- Monitor changes in risk over time, using agreed levels (e.g., Green, Amber, Red)
- Plan early support and intervention to reduce the likelihood of hospital admission
- Inform decisions about Community Treatment Reviews and Blue Light Meetings, where appropriate
- Support joined‑up working between health, social care, education providers, and commissioners
It is a planning tool—not a referral list—and aims to ensure people receive timely, coordinated support.
Who is Included on the DSR
Adults aged 18+ with:
- A diagnosed learning disability and/or autism, and
- Emerging or increasing risks that may lead to crisis or hospital admission
In addition:
- People who are already detained in hospital are always included on the DSR. This reflects national practice where inpatients are categorised as “Blue” on the DSR (indicating they are currently in hospital) and ensures their care, discharge planning, and ongoing needs remain visible across agencies.
People move up or down the register as their level of risk changes.
How to be Added to the DSR
Referrals to the DSR are made by health and social care professionals who are involved in supporting the person. This ensures referrals are informed by current clinical or social care information and that any immediate support needs are considered appropriately.
If individuals, families, or carers have concerns about rising risks or wish to explore whether being included on the DSR may be helpful, they are encouraged to speak with a professional who knows them well (such as a GP, social worker, care coordinator, or specialist health professional).
The professional will review the situation and make a referral if appropriate.
Consent and Information Sharing
Before someone is added to the DSR:
- Consent is requested if the person has capacity.
- If they lack capacity, a Mental Capacity Act best‑interest decision is completed.
- Detained inpatients are included on the DSR to support safe care and discharge planning. Where a person lacks capacity, inclusion is recorded as a best‑interest decision. Where a person has capacity and does not consent, information may still be recorded and shared where necessary and lawful (e.g., for commissioning oversight, safeguarding, or discharge planning) and kept to the minimum required.
- Somerset uses a local DSR Information and Consent Form which explains why information is recorded, how it is used, and people’s rights.
People, families, or representatives can request a discussion about their DSR status at any time.
How the DSR Supports Care
A person’s position on the DSR helps indicate what additional support may be needed, which could include:
- A review of existing care or support plans
- Involvement from the Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) or Transforming Care Practitioner
- A Community Treatment Review (CTR)
- A Blue Light Meeting if risks escalate
- Additional specialist input or multi‑agency planning
The aim is always to maintain safe, effective community‑based support and reduce the likelihood of hospital admission.
Who Reviews the DSR
The DSR is reviewed regularly by:
- RIT and Transforming Care Autism Practitioners
- Social care colleagues
- ICB commissioning staff
This ensures decisions are informed by up‑to‑date information and that support is coordinated across agencies.