Patients with mental health conditions in the criminal justice system require a more robust system of support, according to draft guidance released by NICE.
The guidance was developed after figures cited by NICE found that 39% of offenders supervised by probation services and around 90% of prisoners have some form of mental health problem.
NICE recommends the referral to the prison’s mental health in-reach team for anyone who is admitted to prison if they are thought to be at risk of a mental health problem as a matter of priority. It also suggests that improving the management of urgent mental health problems presenting in the community can be done by encouraging criminal justice services and healthcare services to coordinate their work.
‘It is clear from the rising number of mental health problems in the criminal justice system that these conditions are not being managed effectively,’ said Ian Hulatt, the RCN’s Professional Lead for Mental Health Nursing. ‘Mental health is a unique area of health care and it’s critical that all staff can access specific training to ensure those with mental health problems receive the care they need. These problems aren’t left behind in prison; criminal justice services need to work in collaboration with the NHS to make sure no one falls through the cracks. Patients need one line of care that transcends their contact with the criminal justice system.
The guidance also states that establishing therapeutic community programmes within the prison to provide treatment on a twice weekly or daily basis is vital. Additionally, the regular training of all criminal justice staff on the prevalence of mental health problems in their settings is necessary to support prisoners with these conditions.
‘Nursing staff are perfectly placed to form this bridge and drive forward these improvements. However, more nurses are needed to affect this change – and this will require investment,’ added Mr Hulatt. ‘It’s vital that all staff involved have the skills and the resources they need to work together to put these guidelines into action.’