Reception screening and mental health needs assessment in a male remand prison

Abstract

Aims and method: This study was designed to clarify the nature and extent of psychiatric provision that would be needed if a new health screening protocol were to be introduced into the prison system. The reception screening questionnaires for every inmate coming into the prison over a 15-week period were reviewed using the new protocol. A further mental health assessment was undertaken on those who had screened positive. Results: 201 men (32.6%) were found to be positive for serious mental illness Clinical implications: Based on this analysis, large increases in psychiatric resources would not be needed if the proposed new reception health screening processes were in place, although a reorganisation of the way in which services are delivered may be required.