The Isle of Man Department of Home Affairs has responded to a query from the Celtic League about the provision of psychiatric care facilities for inmates at the Isle of Man prison. The Isle of Man recently commissioned a new multi-million pound prison and the League queried if aspects of psychological care parallelled the much better physical conditions that prisoners now have.

The DHA Minister, Adrian Earnshaw MHK, has confirmed (see below) that improvements in mental health services for prisoners has taken place. Two additional mental health nurse posts have been created. It is unclear from the response what general availability of this specialised healthcare a staffing provision of this size provides. Nonetheless the Celtic League welcome the positive moves being made by the Manx government in relation to this component of penal provision.

"Dear Mr Moffatt

Re: Provision of Mental Health Services at the Isle of Man Prison

Thank you for your letter of the 30 August 2008, received in my office on the 16 September 2008, concerning the provision of mental health services for prisoners at the Isle of Man Prison.

Responsibility for the healthcare of prisoners was transferred from the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) to the Department of Health & Social Services (DHSS) in April 2008, and it is the Department of Health & Social Services who commission services to prisoners based on a health needs assessment. The shared aim of the DHA and DHSS is to provide prisoners with access to the same quality and range of clinical services appropriate for their needs as are accessible to members of the public.

Acknowledging the need to improve mental health services for prisoners, two additional mental health nurse posts were created in January 2008, and the posts filled. One of the nurses specialises in drug and alcohol work and works closely with the Island Drug and Alcohol team (DAT). Additionally, Dr Riaz Haq from the DAT visits the prison weekly. The other nurse has a background of secure mental health services and is experienced in working with mentally disordered offenders. All prisoners can have a basic mental health assessment on reception to the prison.

The healthcare team are able to refer prisoners to the community mental health in reach team who visit as required. The facilities at Jurby are more in keeping with a modern and professional healthcare service and are much appreciated by the visiting and permanent healthcare professionals.

I am confident that we are steadily developing a healthcare service that specifically meets the unique needs of the Isle of Man Prison and which will, in time, positively impact on the public health of the island.

Yours sincerely

Adrian Earnshaw MHK Minister"

Related link on Celtic News at:

(voir le site)

J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League

01/10/08

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