Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 10
10
Accepted
Paragraph: 51
Racial disparity exists in identifying mental health conditions during prisoner health screenings
Conclusion
It is unacceptable that one in 12 prisoners do not have a health screening appointment within 24 hours of arrival and that Black, Asian, and other Minority Ethnic prisoners who have a mental health condition are less likely to have that identified than their white counterparts.
Government response summary AI-generated
HMPPS is committed to improving mental health identification and support by providing introductory training for new staff, refreshing safety training, and exploring enhanced mental health training. They are also commissioning a Core Capabilities Framework and developing bespoke learning products, including a specialised recruitment and training proposal for staff supporting vulnerable women.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Paragraph Reference:
51
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government · verbatim extract
Accepted
Regarding screening within 24 hours: As commissioners, NHS England and NHS Improvement provide support to parts of the system that may be experiencing difficulties. As part of contract performance monitoring, NHS England and NHS Improvement commissioners review a number of indicators including the completion of prison reception and secondary screening tools within the specified timeframes. This ensures that providers who are not consistently meeting their contractual targets can be identified and properly supported. Where that is the case, commissioners work with prison establishments to ensure action plans are developed to improve performance. Regarding racial disparity in identifying mental health issues: Tackling racial disparity is crucial to delivering a fair and equitable service. The National Mental Health Needs Analysis, commissioned by NHS England and NHS Improvement and conducted by the Centre for Mental Health, includes ethnicity, and will provide a clearer indication of representation and any racial disparity in access to mental health services. Further work will be commissioned to build upon data from the needs analysis, including working with organisations representing ethnic minority groups, to inform the service specification review and to reduce health inequalities.
Read the full response on Parliament ↗