The characteristics, convictions, and incidents of risk of women in the national high secure healthcare service for women

Abstract

Purpose: A service evaluation was conducted to characterise all admissions to the National High Secure Healthcare Service for Women (NHSHSW).Design/methodology/approachData were obtained from computerised records, case notes, and the hospital’s Risk Department. Data collected included the date of incident, incident type, location of incident and name of aggressor. The severity of incidents were reported from 2010 onwards. Some data are presented in three time bands: 2007, 2008–2011, and 2013–2015 in order to illustrate changes. Some data is presented in three age bands based on age at admission: under 30 years old, 30–39 years old and 40 years and over.Findings105 women were admitted into the service between January 2007 and 30 June 2015. The majority of women had a diagnosis of personality disorder (81.0 per cent), a history of trauma (e.g. it was documented that 71.4 per cent had experienced sexual abuse) and had received a criminal conviction (90.5 per cent). A total of 8934 risk incidents were reported and the majority of women (N = 101, 96.2 per cent) were involved in at least one incident during their admission. The majority of recorded incidents involved self-harm (70.9 per cent).Originality/ValueLittle has been published about the NHSHSW population. This article outlines the characteristic profiles of women detained in high secure care.Practical implicationsThe complex background and clinical characteristics highlight the need for trauma-informed practice. Continuous monitoring is required to ensure effective practices.