Prisons: Mental Health

Debate between Lord Prior of Brampton and Lord Bishop of Bristol

Wednesday 24th June 2015 Lords Chamber

[Lord Prior of Brampton]

The noble Lord raised this in his report five years ago and in the follow-up report that was published more recently. A very early assessment of a prisoner when he arrives in prison is of course extremely important.

[The Lord Bishop of Bristol]

My Lords, given the complex needs of so many prisoners and the fact that those needs have to be addressed consistently, does the Minister agree with me that the risks associated with such prisoners could be greatly reduced were all operational staff in prisons given training on mental health awareness?

[Lord Prior of Brampton]

The right reverend Prelate’s comments are true throughout the whole healthcare system and would also apply to nurses in physical health surroundings. Training in how to recognise and deal with people suffering from mental health problems would be a huge benefit.

Health: Palliative Care

Debate between Lord Prior of Brampton and Lord Bishop of Bristol

Tuesday 23rd June 2015 Lords Chamber

[Lord Prior of Brampton]

I thank my noble friend for that question. Perhaps I could suggest that he and I meet outside this Chamber, along with some colleagues from NHS England, to discuss his proposal in more detail.

[The Lord Bishop of Bristol]

My Lords, given that both NICE and NHS England have commended the services of spiritual, pastoral and religious care in the care of all people and in delivering great services to patients, clients and staff, can the Minister give us any assurances that a chaplaincy will be funded, going forward, in all NHS facilities that provide palliative care?

[Lord Prior of Brampton]

I thank the right reverend Prelate for that question. I share his sentiments entirely but that is a decision for local hospitals and local trusts.