Written question asked by Robert Buckland (Conservative) on Monday, 23 April 2012, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 25 April 2012. It was answered by Paul Burstow (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 30 April 2012 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Schizophrenia: Prisoners

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of the treatment pathway and services to support prisoners with schizophrenia following their release from prison.

Answer: Former prisoners have a lower than average level of engagement with primary care services and this means they are less likely to be in touch with community and specialist mental health services. In many areas assertive outreach teams have been commissioned to improve engagement with mental health services. The Government's mental health outcomes strategy, 'No Health Without Mental Health', makes it clear that consideration of equality of access to mental health services for offenders should be part of the planning and development of services.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 105554; 543 c1305W
Session: 2010-12
Subjects: Prisoners Schizophrenia
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk12050176000605