Report on HM Prison Shotts

HM Inspectorate of Prisons for Scotland 1998

ANNEX 3

HM PRISON SHOTTS

Local Prevention of Suicide Strategy

A CHARTER FOR CARING

ESTABLISHMENT PLEDGE; It will continue to be the aim of management, staff and prisoners to reduce incidents of self-harm amongst prisoners in our care to the lowest possible levels.

CARE CHARTER

1. The Strategy recognises that prevention of suicide is everyone’s business.

2. Effective and humane options will be provided to those prisoners identified as being at risk so that a caring and supportive environment continues to develop.

3. A prisoner on high risk and in an observation cell will be out of that cell for the purpose of constructive activity, at least twice a day for a minimum of 60 minutes in total.

4. Residential Supervisors will ensure all documentation is completed accurately with informed entries that will benefit the care of prisoners. Six monthly audits of documents and processes will take place.

5. As part of the Establishment’s training plan all appropriate staff and prisoners will receive training in the Suicide Prevention Strategy.

6. All prisoners will have access to information about the local strategy and how it will affect them.

7. Family Contact will be promoted as a priority to those prisoners in distress.

8. Safe environments will be provided for those prisoners in need by developing Day Care Unit placements and using observation cells.

9. An establishment Mental Health Team will exist to support the Local Strategy and ensure links to throughcare services for those with an identified need.

10. Great importance is placed on effective communication when dealing with any at risk prisoner. A multi-disciplinary ACT group will meet monthly to manage the strategy.

11. The establishment promotes the use of an anti-intimidation strategy to protect vulnerable prisoners.

12. The support of the Samaritans and a prisoner "Listener" Scheme, is promoted to allow further avenues of help to those in need.