Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what health pathways are available for people whose acquired brain injury is identified when they are in the criminal justice system.

People in prison are entitled to the same range and quality of health services that they would receive in the community. Offender health services are commissioned by NHS England.

All people in prison should receive an early health screening within the first 24 hours of entry, and a further health assessment within seven days. The initial assessment is fully comprehensive, to ensure that all physical and mental health needs are identified, including if the person has a brain injury, and where appropriate, that treatment is commenced at an early stage.

Health services in prison include health screening, primary care, secondary mental health, and substance misuse services. Where services cannot be provided in prison, prisoners are supported to access services with an appropriate escort.

Local authorities are responsible for assessing individuals’ care and support needs and, where eligible, for meeting those needs. Where individuals do not meet the eligibility threshold, they can get support from their local authorities in making their own arrangements for care services, as set out in the Care Act 2014.

Local authorities further have a duty to shape their care markets and commission a diverse range of care and support services that enable people to access quality care.