§ Mrs. Curtis-ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what lessons have been learnt from the internal inquiries into serious incidents of self-harm by prisoners on the prevention of recurrences. [155245]
§ Paul GogginsSerious incidents of self-harm are investigated at senior managers' discretion to identify the cause and lessons to be learned. Preventing recurrence is tackled at the individual level through care plans and case reviews.
In 2003, 30 in-depth interviews were carried out with prisoners who had survived a severe self-harm incident requiring resuscitation or treatment in outside hospital. The findings included: the importance of staff talking and listening to prisoners, proactive care for prisoners who feel unable to ask for help; increased in- cell and out-of cell 'distraction' activities; specialist support for prisoners with a history of abuse; flexible peer support; and reliable delivery of medication for mental health problems. This learning has informed a number of initiatives: quotes from the interviews in the development of Key Messages cards, posters and an information booklet for prison staff; the training of new prison officers; and development of the second phase suicide prevention strategy planned to be introduced soon.
More accurate self-harm data recorded since December 2002 is enabling closer analysis of trends at local, area and national levels. A number of intervention strategies have been introduced into establishments for people who self-harm. These include counselling, support groups, and specialised psychological interventions. A network of establishments has been set up to develop interventions, facilitate evaluation and share good practice, and an information booklet for staff on working with prisoners who self-harm has been circulated to establishments. A guidance document for managing and caring for prisoners who self-harm is being prepared.