Charities want NHS mental health standards in jails

Some 75% of male inmates in England and Wales suffer two or more mental health problems, a conference organised by the Prison Reform Trust (PRT) says.

The PRT wants the government to ensure jails meet NHS mental health standards.

The charity says the government should also encourage courts to use alternatives to custody for minor offenders with mental health problems.

Prescribed drug use

Almost 10% of male prisoners suffer severe problems such as schizophrenia compared with less than 1% of the general population, reports Wednesday's conference organised jointly by mental health charity Mind.

It also reports that 20% of male inmates are on prescribed drugs such as anti-depressants or anti-psychotic medicine, with evidence suggesting increased use during custody.

One in five has attempted suicide at some stage in his life, and the same number has previously received in-patient psychiatric care.

The PRT wants to "lift the burden off untrained prison staff and put a stop to the cruel and unnecessary punishment of jailing vulnerable people".

Specialist units

It calls for "proper investment" in community mental health and drug treatment, and "secure health provision for those who need it".

It also wants mental health services that are provided by prisons to be monitored by an independent agency.

Earlier this year, Chief Inspector of Prisons Anne Owers said inmates with mental health problems should be treated in specialist units rather than locked up in jails.

This followed the publication of figures showing there had been 94 prison suicides in 2003 - one less than in 2002 but up on previous years - and a 30% rise in cases of self-harm.

Ms Owers blamed the "insidious and chronic" effect of overcrowding in prisons.

The Prison Service has said a range of initiatives are being developed to ensure mentally ill people receive appropriate care in the right setting.