Doug Beattie: NI Prison Service PTSD should be recorded

The UUP’s justice spokesman said the umbrella “ill health” categorisation was effectively suggesting those individuals with PTSD “should be ashamed that they suffer mental health issues” in the workplace.

“In a day and age where mental health is at the top of the political agenda, I find it incredible that the Department for Finance does not keep records of those Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS) staff who have been affected by or who were discharged from service due to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder,” he said.

“Instead, it seems due to advice from a medical officer and human resources, that PTSD and other mental health issues are categorised as ill health, as if individuals should be ashamed that they suffer mental health issues in the workplace.

“As a society we have tried to de-stigmatise mental health issues, as they can affect anyone and in extremes can lead to self-harm and suicide. Yet this policy of non-recording does the absolute opposite.”

Mr Beattie has now questioned whether the Civil Service in general is able to keep track of how many employees are suffering from PTSD and other mental health issues.

“The question arises, does the civil service as a whole keep records of its employees who have had, or who still do suffer from PTSD and other mental health issues.

“What is their rationale for categorising it as purely ill health?” he said.

Mr Beattie added: “The NIPS is a highly stressful and dangerous occupation, both inside and outside of the workplace. Issues surrounding the mental health of prison officers are important and steps must be taken to assist with the welfare of the officers within the NIPS; this includes keeping records of those discharged with PTSD so the scale of the issue is known.

“To that end I call on the justice minister, who is responsible for the welfare of the NIPS, to engage with [finance minister] Conor Murphy to address this issue as soon as possible, and to establish if this is common practice throughout the whole of the Northern Ireland Civil Service, because if so, then we have failed in our duty to those who have left work due to mental health problems.”

Responding to Mr Beattie’s comments, Justice Minister Naomi Long said: “I am acutely aware of the challenges prison officers face. I greatly value their contribution and dedication to supporting and challenging people in their care to change.

“The Prison Service has a range of wellbeing support mechanisms in place for staff, including the Prisons WELL programme which was launched last year.”

Mrs Long added: “It also has a formal agreement in place with the Police Rehabilitation & Retraining Trust (PRRT) to provide physiotherapy and psychological services to serving Prison Officers who are absent from work through illness.

“I recognise the importance of ensuring retired officers have access to the support they need and I have already discussed this at length with the Director General.”