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Half of Jurby inmates have mental health issues

Half of the inmates at the Island's prison have mental health problems.

The figure was revealed by Home Affairs Minister Juan Watterson, in his answer to a Tynwald question for written answer from Onchan MHK Zac Hall.

Mr Watterson said on Wednesday last week (March 11), 12 prisoners had recognised personality disorders, two had psychiatric conditions (schizophrenia and bi-polar disorder) and 29 were known to suffer from depression.

That's 43 out of a total of 86 inmates.

Mr Hall also asked what services were available to them, and whether prison was appropriate for such people.

Mr Watterson said mental health services were available - a psychiatrist for half a day a week, a psychologist for half a day every fortnight, and a community mental health practitioner for two full days per week.

There is also a half-day visit every fortnight by a psychiatrist from the Drug and Alcohol team and a counsellor from addiction service Motiv8 one day per week.

Mr Watterson added if, at the point of sentence, court receives reports recommending treatment within a secure mental health facility, a hospital order could be made and the prisoner transferred.

He added any inmate needing specialist treatment which couldn't be provided at the prison, or as an outpatient, could be transferred to facilities in the Isle of Man, or elsewhere.

 

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