Charity Calls For Urgent Action On Female Inmates

Report raises mental health concerns

- Vivienne Aitken

A Mental health charity has called on the Scottish Government to take action on the “irreparable damage” done to women suffering mental health problems in prison.

The Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland (MWCS) highlighted concerns about the segregation of women who were significantly mentally unwell and placed in solitary confinement for extended periods.

The study also raised fears about delays in accessing in-patient treatment, and about women with personality disorders not being eligible for transfer to a psychiatric hospital.