1. FOREWORD
I am pleased to publish this thematic inspection report on prisoners with severe and enduring mental health problems in Scotland's prisons. Mental health problems exist on a spectrum from mild to severe and this inspection focused on the severe end.
At least 315 prisoners, (4.5% of the prisoner population excluding HMYOI Polmont), were found to have a severe and enduring mental health problem. The number of prisoners with less severe forms of mental illness is likely to be much higher. The most common problems were schizophrenia and bi-polar affective disorder. Prison is unlikely to lead to an improvement in these conditions, and may exacerbate the problem, particularly when such prisoners are held in inappropriate locations such as segregation units. This report makes clear that prison is not the most appropriate place for many of these individuals to be living.
A wide range of conclusions is highlighted in this report. All organisations involved in the care, treatment and management of prisoners with severe and enduring mental health problems should take account of these conclusions and develop their own practice to address them.
ANDREW R C McLELLAN
HM Chief Inspector of Prisons
August 2008