Getting the Basics Right

Developing a primary care mental health service in prisons

Most primary care in prisons is able only to address people's physical health problems. As a result, prisoners with common mental health conditions frequently go untreated.

Government policy since 2001 has been for prisoners to receive health care that is 'equivalent' to that which they would get outside. A good quality primary care mental health service in prison would devote more time to addressing prisoners' needs.

This policy paper looks at ways in which this could be achieved and makes policy recommendations to help the NHS build up a primary care mental health service in every English prison.