British Journal of Psychiatry, 178, January 2001, pp.55-61.
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press
Regional medium secure developments have proceeded unevenly, with wide variations in resources to deliver services. This study compares patients admitted to seven (pre-reorganisation) regional services and styles of serve delivery. It was discovered that un-coordinated development led to under-provision despite high demand. Certain regions prioritised offender patients and did not support local psychiatric services. New standards are required for service specification and resource allocation to redress inequality. Traditional performance measures were of limited usefulness in comparing services.
Regional medium secure developments have proceeded unevenly, with wide variations in resources to deliver services. This study compares patients admitted to seven (pre-reorganisation) regional services and styles of serve delivery. It was discovered that un-coordinated development led to under-provision despite high demand. Certain regions prioritised offender patients and did not support local psychiatric services. New standards are required for service specification and resource allocation to redress inequality. Traditional performance measures were of limited usefulness in comparing services.
Subject terms:
mental health, mental health problems, mentally disordered offenders, needs, offenders, patients, performance evaluation, psychiatry, secure units, social care provision, surveys, comparative studies, evaluation, forensic psychiatry, health care;