Mental Health Services


All people committed to prison are medically assessed.  This includes a mental health assessment.  Where clinically indicated, the person is referred to the National Forensic Mental Health Service which is part of the HSE’s Mental Health Service.  A Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist, subject to his/her findings, may make certain recommendations to the Governor in relation to their care.

The National Forensic Mental Health Services provides consultant led in-reach clinics to all Dublin prisons, Portlaoise Prison, Midlands Prison, Cork Prison and Cork Prison. Consultants are supported bya multi-disciplinary team including Registrars, Psychiatric Nurses, Social Workers and Housing Support Workers.

If a patient being assessed and treated by the National Forensic Mental Health Service is deemed to require secure residential psychiatric treatment, they may be added to the waiting list for admission to the Central Mental Hospital.