AQW 26550/17-22 Written question to the Minister of Justice

To ask the Minister of Justice to detail the services available for prisoners suffering from mental ill-health.

Asked by Claire Sugden MLA on 29 November 2021

  • Answered
  • Written
Tabled
29 November 2021
Answer due by
14 December 2021
Answered
7 December 20218 days after tabling
Department
Department of Justice
Priority question
No

Answer

The Department of Health is responsible for the provision of healthcare services to prisoners in Northern Ireland. Within our prisons, the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust (SEHSCT) delivers mental health services at each establishment, comprising of mental health nurses, psychiatrists, mental health occupational therapists and clinical psychologists.

The Prison Service takes the duty of care for all the individuals it holds in custody extremely seriously and working with health colleagues to respond to those who need additional support remains a priority for NIPS.

Official sources