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<p>Health services in public prisons in England, including mental health treatment,
are commissioned and reviewed by NHS England. In Wales, health is devolved to the
Welsh Government. However, as signatories to the National Partnership Agreement for
Prison Healthcare 2018-2021, the Department works closely with health partners to
support the delivery of healthcare by ensuring prisoners are able to access these
services.</p><p> </p><p>That is why we are investing in our workforce. We have met
our target to recruit an additional 2,500 prison officers several months ahead of
schedule, helping to ensure that prisoners can be supported to attend scheduled healthcare
appointments and receive weekly, one-to-one support from a named prison officer. These
officers will coach, signpost and encourage individuals in order that they feel settled
and safe and part of this may include signposting individuals to mental health treatment
in prison.</p><p> </p><p>Beyond staff support, HMPPS invests in various support services
for prisoners which can help promote mental health treatment. For example, HMPPS recently
refreshed its partnership with the Samaritans to continue funding the Listeners scheme,
which trains selected prisoners to provide emotional support to peers.</p><p> </p><p>The
Department recognises the impact that the prison environment can have on prisoner
health and wellbeing, particularly for prisoners with a mental health diagnosis. This
is why we are focussing on getting the basics right through our prison estate transformation
programme, delivering decent prisons that improve opportunities for rehabilitation
and create safe and secure environments for staff and offenders.</p>
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