We welcome the proposal in the Mental Health Act Reform white paper to end the use of prison as a ‘place of safety’ and the recognition that this must be supported by investment in alternatives. Problems with access to emergency mental health services (including a shortage of beds on general psychiatric wards) are at the heart of the problem.

We welcome the proposal in the Mental Health Act Reform white paper to end the use of prison as a ‘place of safety’ and the recognition that this must be supported by investment in alternatives. Problems with access to emergency mental health services (including a shortage of beds on general psychiatric wards) are at the heart of the problem. Type: conclusion | Number: 30 | Paragraph: 97 | Response status: under_consideration Government response: The Government agreed that we should end the use of prison as a place of safety for individuals with severe mental health issues in the Mental Health Act White Paper and committed to legislating at the earliest possible opportunity through the proposed Mental Health Act Reform Bill. Since the factor