Rapid Responses to:

EDITORIALS: Gill Mezey Improving the mental health of offenders in primary care BMJ 2007; 334: 267-268 [Full text]

Rapid Responses: Submit a response to this article

Rapid Responses published:

Specialist criticises General Practice shock!

Tom G Heyes   (15 February 2007)

Specialist criticises General Practice shock! 15 February 2007
Tom G Heyes, Clinical Director Leeds LS12 6QD Send response to journal: Re: Specialist criticises General Practice shock!	The findings of the excellent study by Howerton and colleagues will come as no surprise to GPs and prison doctors, who struggle to establish a therapeutic relationship with these tragically damaged young men. It is rewarding at times to find how eagerly they respond to being shown respect and understanding but this can only be done when they are willing to engage. Unfortunately articles like this will not lead to improvements. To suggest that many GP practices would only offer a brief consultation and a prescription to someone with complex mental health and social problems is inaccurate and insulting and will not encourage engagement. While a few may be providing a poor service, most are staffed by well motivated teams who will do all in their power to assist. It is not however within the power of primary care practices to resolve these problems unless they are part of a co-ordinated process where health and social care agencies work with the criminal justice system in the interests of clients and of social and legal reform. Competing interests: GP and prison doctor