23/03/2010

New Health And Justice 'Tsar'

Professor Louis Appleby will serve as the first National Clinical Director for Health and Criminal Justice it was announced today.

The move reflects an increased focus on improving the mental health of offenders and develops responsibilities from Professor Appleby’s current work as National Clinical Director for Mental Health Services.

Professor Appleby will champion the Government’s action plan ‘Improving Health, Supporting Justice’, which set out measures to get health and criminal justice services working together more effectively.

It aims to address health and social care problems as early as possible in a person’s contact with the criminal justice system and to develop more effective interventions for offenders.

This will be achieved by working closely with the cross government Health and Criminal Justice Programme Board.

Care Services Minister Phil Hope said: "Offenders and those at risk of offending are more likely to have health issues like mental illnesses and substance misuse.

"Louis has the experience and drive to have a real impact on tackling these issues and reducing re-offending."

Mr Hope continued: "This is a critical time of change in mental health services and Hugh has been heavily involved in the development of ‘New Horizons’, our mental health strategy."

(PR/GK)

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