Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 1
1
Accepted
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Unmet need for mental illness treatment in prisons remains surprisingly high
Conclusion
While there have been improvements in prison mental healthcare, provision is still not adequate. The high unmet need for treatment for mental illness in prisons is surprising and disappointing. Around 10% of prisoners were recorded as receiving treatment for mental illness with one suggestion that as many as 70% may have some form of mental health need at any one time. NHS work is long overdue to quantify the gap between mental health treatment needs and the services provided.
Government Response Summary
The government has commissioned a National Mental Health Needs Analysis by the Centre for Mental Health, due by end of 2021/22, which will inform a review of NHS England's prison mental health specification starting by April 2022 to identify and address service gaps.
Paragraph Reference:
20
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
NHS England and NHS Improvement has commissioned the Centre for Mental Health to conduct a National Mental Health Needs Analysis. This piece of work will give a good understanding of how current provision meets the mental health needs of people in prison. This in turn will provide a clear quantitative picture of current mental health need, both met and unmet, and the provision of mental health services, including the range of interventions, waiting times and skill mix. This analysis is due to be ready by the end of 2021/22. The Centre for Mental Health’s analysis follows on from the first part of its review, The Future of Prison Mental Health Care in England,1 which sets out examples of good practice and areas for improvement within the mental health pathway before custody, in prison and upon release. Findings from both parts of the Centre for Mental Health’s work will inform the review of NHS England and NHS Improvement’s prison mental health specification which is due to commence by April 2022. This will ensure any gaps in service can be identified and meaningfully tackled. Commissioning prison mental healthcare services and models of care