Prisons remain a legal ‘place of safety’ which can be used when there is no suitable provision in the community, and they continue to hold very seriously mentally unwell men and women. In 2022–23, over three-quarters of our inspection reports commented on the delays in transferring these patients from prison to secure mental health beds where they can receive the care they so desperately need. This new thematic review shines a light on the issue and raises a number of concerns which should be addressed to improve outcomes and reduce harm, both for very unwell patients and the staff who care for them.
What we do
Learn about our remit and values and the role of the Chief Inspector. Read the Urgent Notifications we have issued and find out about our Independent Reviews of Progress.
About our inspections
Find out which establishments we inspect and the frequency of our visits. Learn about the inspection process and how we produce our reports.
Our reports
Download inspection reports, thematic reports and research, annual reports and business plans, including those carried out with other inspectorates.
Our Expectations
Explore the criteria we use for assessing the treatment of detainees and conditions in detention.