Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to the Independent Monitoring Board annual report on HMP Northumberland, what the timeframe for prisoners accessing inpatient psychiatric treatment will be; and what improvements that prison is working towards.

People who are sentenced by a court to imprisonment after conviction may be assessed by a psychiatrist in prison if it is thought that their mental disorder is of a nature or degree that requires treatment in hospital. Section 47 of the Mental Health Act 1983 is considered when transferring prisoners. Proposed changes are being made to the way in which inpatient secure beds are commissioned with the aim of improving timely allocation. Time scales are monitored by NHS England and include an expectation of 14-day prison transfers. The transfer time starts on completion of the first medical assessment and stops once the prisoner has been admitted to hospital.

HMP Northumberland has a professional and supportive Mental Health team engaged in supporting men with both mental health and complex needs. The Mental Health team, delivered by Tees, Esk and Wear Valley NHS Trust are actively engaged with men who are subject to Assessment, Care in Custody and Teamwork (ACCT) procedures and those who reside within the Separation and Care (SCU), as well as other men across the site, with a variety of needs.

Through The Gate (TTG) services have created an opportunity for early identification of individuals who may have complex mental health needs and gives a framework for cooperation and joined up working, as well as release planning. A new complex Case Manager has been appointed by G4S (Healthcare provider) with whom the mental health team at HMP Northumberland will work closely with to co-ordinate needs, and ensure the support for individuals is comprehensive.