Department of Health

Website of the Department of Health

Please note that this website has a UK government access keys system.

The Safety and Security in Ashworth, Broadmoor and Rampton Hospitals Directions

  • Last modified date:
    17 May 2007

The Directions and amendments below should be read in conjunction with the detailed guidance notes issued with the Directions in 2000.

The Ashworth, Broadmoor and Rampton Hospitals Amendment Directions 2003

Paragraph 2 amends the Safety and Security Directions as follows:

  • to allow catering and supply staff authorised by the Chief Executive of the hospital authority to bring food for patients into a secure area in circumstances in which it is impracticable for a contractor to do so (Direction 11)
  • testing for illicit substances is expanded to allow for breath testing for alcohol, and mouth swab or hair sample for drugs (Direction 14)
  • to provide for an extension of the restriction on patients' access to computer equipment etc to cover game consoles that can be adapted as a computer (Direction 20)
  • to allow a patient's telephone calls to be fully monitored if there is a need to protect the safety of the patient and others (Direction 29)
  • to add to the list of risks in Direction 30, that of an individual patient subverting security and safety
  • to allow a patient who meets the clinical and risk criteria for detention in a regime designated as suitable for those who are dangerous as a result of a severe personality disorder and consequently is accommodated in the hospital authority's Dangerous and Serious Personality Disorder facility, to be locked up in his room at night save in circumstances, such as the risk of suicide or self-harm, when that position may be reviewed (Direction 31); and
  • to amend Direction 36, which currently provides for each individual hospital authority to make its own arrangements for annual Prison Service security audits, to allow for a central co-ordinating role.

The Ashworth, Broadmoor and Rampton Hospitals Amendment (no.2) Directions 2002

Paragraph 2 amends the Safety and Security Directions to exclude MHRT members from being subject to rub-down searches on entering or leaving a secure area, save in the given circumstances.

The Ashworth, Broadmoor and Rampton Hospitals Amendment Directions 2002

Paragraphs 2 and 3 amend the Visits by Children Directions and the Safety and Security Directions so that they apply to the Mersey Care National Health Service Trust instead of applying to the Ashworth Hospital Authority. On 1st April 2002 Ashworth Hospital Authority will be dissolved and the Mersey Care National Health Service Trust will take over provision of high security psychiatric services at Ashworth Hospital.

The Ashworth, Broadmoor and Rampton Hospitals Amendment Directions 2001

These Directions amend previous Directions because of the transfer of responsibility for Broadmoor and Rampton Hospital.

The Safety and Security in Ashworth, Broadmoor and Rampton Hospitals Directions 2000

New issues covered by the revised Directions include:

  • Restrictions for security reasons on food and tobacco being brought or sent into the hospitals
  • Pre-booking visits to patients
  • Testing patients for illicit substances
  • Control of prescribed drugs
  • Security intelligence arrangements
  • Arrangements when items brought to hospital premises for patients, or internal patient-to-patient post, are withheld
  • Checking of post of members of staff
  • The possible recording of some patients' telephone calls
  • The need to consider whether some patients should be locked in their rooms at night
  • Leave of absence arrangements
  • Escorting patients
  • Security of keys and locks
  • Security audits

Futher information

  • Contact:
    Kate Caston, Lead for High Secure Health Partnerships
  • Address:
    Wellington House
    133-135 Waterloo Road
    London SE1 8UG
  • Phone:
    020 7972 2000
  • Email:
    kate.caston@dh.gsi.gov.uk

Access keys