Inspector calls for units to house prisoners with mental health problems

New psychiatric units should be built to house prisoners with
mental health problems, the chief inspector of prisons has
recommended, writes Natasha Salari.

In her annual report, Anne Owers said that mental health
continues to be a major problem with a large number of prisoners
who have either acute or chronic mental disorders.

Figures showing that 40 per cent of men and 33 per cent of women
self-harm within the first month in prison, were also highlighted
in the report. At a briefing on the report, Owers added that the
new units would be focused on treatment and interventions, but that
the costs could fall on the Department of Health rather than the
Home Office.


Annual report available here

More from Community Care

Comments are closed.