Mental health, Labour and the crisis in criminal justice and jails | Letters

Self-harm has escalated at the same time as prison healthcare funding being cut, writes Prof Pamela Taylor; and Labour needs to face up to its often-woeful past in contributing to the current crisis, says Prof Joe Sim

As a psychiatrist working in prisons, I can say confidently that Charles Falconer’s damning criticism of the criminal justice system (The threat facing us all – justice only for the very rich, 7 February) is no overstatement.

There was one striking omission, however, and that was mental health. Suicides – indeed all deaths – in prisons have reached their highest peak since records began in 1978. According to Inquest, already this year six people have taken their own lives in prisons. Self-harm has also escalated at the same time as prison healthcare funding being cut.

Continue reading... February 07, 2018 at 11:31PM