Craig Royce

Dear Mrs Beasley-Murray am writing to set out the formal response to the Regulation 28: Report to Prevent Future Deaths, dated 20 December 2017 , which was issued following the inquest into the death of Mr Craig Royce: When Mr Royce died in December 2016, the prison healthcare service was provided by Care UK. Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) began providing the service from May 2017 . am the Chief Executive of EPUT , but have no connection with the previous service provider. would like to begin by extending my deepest condolences to the family of Mr Royce. This has been an extremely difficult time for them_ hope this response provides them, and you; with assurance that the Trust regards the situation seriously and has taken action to address the issue raised in the report: In response to the matter of concern relating to the former provider of prison healthcare service; can confirm that since EPUT took over the service in 2017 a robust documentary system for referral of prisoners to mental health care has been put in place across the prison: A referral form had been used for some time by GPs and nurses in the prison healthcare team, but EPUT ensured the availability of this form was widened significantly: It is now used by the entire prison staff in every department and other staff associated with the care of prisoners. The form is to make a and direct referral for mental health assessment and care. In an emergency, referrals to mental health will be taken by telephone still, but MUST be followed up using the form to make a written referral. The mental health referral form is available via the prison's IT system. Paper copies are provided on all wings of the prison too. Safer Custody, a department of the prison, is responsible for ensuring these are constantly available: It is distinct from the TAG system. the used full

would like to finish by reiterating condolences to Mr Royce's family at this very sad time hope this response goes some way to providing assurance that the Trust regards their loss very seriously and has taken steps to address the issue of concern about the mental health care referral system in place under the previous provider.