Question reference: S6W-01814
- Asked by: Pauline McNeill, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 23 July 2021
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Current status: Answered by Kevin Stewart on 4 August 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the recommendations of its independent review into the delivery of forensic mental health services, and findings from the Council of Europe's European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, following its visits to Scotland, for what reason there is no high secure forensic mental health provision for women.
Answer
As a result of declining numbers of female high secure patients in Scotland, the decision was taken to close the female facility at The State Hospital in 2009. However, both the Independent Review into the Delivery of Forensic Mental Health Services and the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment have called for a female high secure service in Scotland to be reinstated.
Our formal response to the Independent Review will be published soon and we continue to work with key stakeholders to ensure female high secure provision is available for Scotland and that women’s pathways in forensic mental health services are improved.