Numbers imprisoned at H.M.P. La Moye with mental health issues since 2009

3

1240/5(8611)

WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR HOME AFFAIRS BY DEPUTY M.R. HIGGINS OF ST. HELIER

ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 3rd FEBRUARY 2015

Question

Will the Minister advise members:

1. the numbers and percentage of those convicted and imprisoned at H.M.P. La Moye in each year between 1st January 2009 to 31st December 2014 who were diagnosed as having mental health issues –

1. at the time of their admission;
2. when they were released from prison; and,
3. the percentage of the total prison population during these periods these people represented?

2. the number of staff and facilities available to treat these prisoners whilst in prison, together with the actual sums spent on dealing with prisoners with mental health issues during the periods set out above together with the percentages of the total prison budget;
3. what provision is put in place to assist those prisoners who are released from prison with mental health issues, detailing the number of people involved, the facilities made available and monies allocated during the time period set out above; and,
4. what liaison/cooperation, if any, takes place with the mental health service of the Health and Social Services Department and how effective this liaison/cooperation is considered to be?

Answer

1. Response

It is not possible to provide a definitive response to such a question as there are many differing interpretations of what might be described as "mental health issues". Anxiety, hopelessness and depression are likely to be a feature for many prisoners at the point of admission to the prison or at some stage of a custodial sentence but they do not necessarily require mental health intervention.

All prisoners are interviewed and assessed by a registered nurse on admission to La Moye. This process covers their mental health and well-being, including any risk of self-harm and physical health matters.

Specific data cannot be produced without detailed analysis of confidential, individual medical records. However, the following table provides details of referrals to the psychiatrist and also the Community Psychiatric Nurse, which gives an indication of the numbers referred to Mental Health Services for assessment or support. Those transferred to Orchard House or UK facilities are detained as patients under the Mental Health Law albeit Prison Officers provide security at the former.

* reduced CPN provision for several months while recruiting

2. Response

The Jersey Prison Service employs a Healthcare Manager (Civil Service Grade 12) and a team of 5 qualified nurses (1 x Registered Mental Nurse and 4 Registered General Nurses) to provide healthcare for all prisoners. It isn't possible to say what proportion of their time is spent dealing with mental health issues.

There are no in-patient beds in La Moye prison. Individuals receiving treatment are dispersed in the general prisoner population and they have access to the same facilities and regime as other prisoners (the equivalent of care in the community). In exceptional cases, some may have to be segregated for their own safety (or the safety of others) but they may not meet the criteria for detention under the Mental Health Law so they remain in La Moye.

The Psychiatrist is a contracted in service and he attends for approximately 2 hours per week. This is paid for by the Prison Service. The CPN attends one day per week and this is funded by HSS. Prisoners also have access to a GP service of 5 sessions of approximately 2 hours per week, as well as emergency call- outs if required. This is paid for by the Prison Service.

A Samaritan service is also available, via weekly visits by community based volunteers and the prison also provides a 24hr phone service to the Samaritans. They also train prisoners to provide a listener' service; that is prisoners who are trained to provide support and advice to individuals who are in distress.

The table below shows percentage of the total budget spent on Healthcare. This includes the salary costs of the Healthcare Manager and nursing staff, the contracted in services (G.Ps., psychiatrist, dentist, optician), prescribed drugs and other medical supplies.

3. Response

Every prisoner is interviewed by healthcare staff around 10 days prior to release. This is to assess their short-term needs on liberation and arrange appointments, prescriptions or inform external agencies where appropriate. It also provides the opportunity to refer to the GP, CPN or Psychiatrist pre and post release if required.

Ongoing mental health issues after release are a matter for Health & Social Services rather than Home Affairs but the visiting CPN will arrange to see individuals pre and post release for follow up if deemed appropriate.

4. Response

At present there is considerable cooperation between the mental health service and Prison Service at various levels. Relationships at practitioner level are very good and senior managers in both departments have worked hard in recent years to gain a better understanding of each other's needs.

There is signed Memorandum of Understanding in place between Orchard House and La Moye related to the management of prisoners who are patients in Orchard House.