title: Characteristics of mentally disordered offenders referred for low secure forensic rehabilitation.
abstract: In the light of recognition of an increased need for secure mental health provision both at a local and national level, a 12-bed low secure forensic rehabilitation unit, Hillis Lodge, was opened in Birmingham in 2001. The aim of this study was to investigate characteristics of patients referred to this service. A retrospective case note survey was undertaken of all referrals to Hillis Lodge between August 2000 and April 2004. A comparison was then made between the accepted group and those not accepted for admission to identify characteristics that may be associated with admission to a low secure forensic unit. For the referred sample, mean age was 38 years (range 23-65 years, SD = 9.17) and in 86.4% of cases the primary diagnosis was schizophrenia. Those accepted were more likely to be detained under Part III sections of the Mental Health Act 1983 and have a greater number of previous convictions. By identifying need in this particular patient sample, this study has helped to inform the assessment process and treatment programmes in a low secure forensic rehabilitation service.
authors.affiliation: Secure Mental Health Unit, Townsville Hospital, Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: Darren
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Neillie
authors.forename: Mandeep Singh
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Saini
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Humphreys
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000407:Alabama; D003625:Data Collection; D003710:Demography; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010361:Patients; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012189:Retrospective Studies