Abstract
SummaryIn answer to Louis Appleby's editorial, I am proposing that the role of mental health services in offender healthcare is to improve people's mental health and it is the role of the courts and the government to reduce the prison population. I also argue that with a reinvestment of existing resources into prison mental health we can reduce admission to expensive medium secure and low secure placements, save money and further reinvest in better care.
Highlights
Over the past 25 years forensic mental health services have mushroomed, largely driven by a commercial sector hungry for profits at a time of increased National Health Service (NHS) spending and reduction in NHS beds
Appleby challenges us to reduce the number of people in prison, by diversion, where appropriate, into mental health, learning disability and substance misuse services
If we accept the principle that all are entitled to proper mental health services, regardless of offending, we can deliver appropriate community care in the community, in police cells and in prisons
Summary
Over the past 25 years forensic mental health services have mushroomed, largely driven by a commercial sector hungry for profits at a time of increased National Health Service (NHS) spending and reduction in NHS beds. Reducing the number of people in prison but at what cost to mental health services? Appleby challenges us to reduce the number of people in prison, by diversion, where appropriate, into mental health, learning disability and substance misuse services.
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