HC Deb 14 January 2002 vol 378 c73W
Dr. Fox

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if prisoners receive a mental health assessment upon arrival in prison. [24594]

Jacqui Smith

All prisoners' physical and mental health care needs are assessed when they are first received into prison custody. The Prison Service recognises that current reception screening arrangements can fail to identify prisoners who have serious mental health problems. A more effective health screening tool for identifying serious mental health problems on first reception into prison is being developed and implemented as part of the Prison Health Policy Unit/Task Force's current work programme.