Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 23
23
Accepted
Paragraph: 131
Require the Government to address using prisons as 'places of safety' for the acutely unwell.
Recommendation
We continue to believe that it is not acceptable for the custodial environment to be used as a ‘place of safety’ for the acutely unwell, or for a person’s ‘own protection’. Community settings also have a duty of care to individuals, and prisons should not be regarded as a solution to the failings of care and protection in the community. We reiterate the recommendations made in our Report ‘Mental Health in Prison’, and seek an update from the Government on the steps it is taking to address the use of prison as a place of safety or for a person’s own protection.
Government Response Summary
The government accepted the recommendation, stating that governors work with NHS commissioners and providers to ensure timely access to healthcare, and Local Prison Health Delivery Boards plan responses, describing existing arrangements rather than new steps to prevent using prison as a place of safety.
Paragraph Reference:
131
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
We accept this recommendation. Governors work with NHS commissioners and providers to ensure that prisoners can access healthcare in a timely manner, and where necessary address staffing requirements to improve access to the full range of commissioned health services. As recovery requirements will vary significantly from prison to prison, Local Prison Health Delivery Boards (which bring together health and prison staff) are best placed to understand what is required and for putting in place joint plans to respond.