Search results for ‘Subject term:"secure units"’ Sort:
Results 1 - 1 of 1
Assessing the security needs of patients in medium secure psychiatric care in Northern Ireland
- Author:
- MACLEAN Rowan James
- Journal article citation:
- Psychiatrist (The), 34(10), October 2010, pp.432-436.
- Publisher:
- Royal College of Psychiatrists
This study was designed to determine the security needs of patients in medium secure services in Northern Ireland and the level of security required. It also aimed to identify any aspects of security that are particularly important for this group and to assess how many of these individuals require longer-term secure care. A total of 33 patients (30 male, average age 36.8 years) were rated on the Security Needs Assessment Profile (SNAP). Fifteen patients (45%) could be managed in conditions of low security. Twelve patients (36%) required over 5 years’ further treatment in secure care. Particular security needs included relational nursing skills, restricted access to alcohol and drugs, and robust physical security. Although this was a small study it did suggest that in Northern Ireland, a lack of low secure provision and supported community placements is contributing to some patients being treated in a higher level of security than is necessarily required. It is suggested that this study should be replicated across the UK to determine whether forensic services are responding to patients’ needs. The author believes that pathways out of medium security need to be better developed, with regional expansion of low secure services.