Review after Carstairs patient capture
10 Dec 04
There is to be a full review of the rules surrounding unescorted leave at Carstairs
There is to be a review of policy procedures for unescorted leave for patients at the state hospital of Carstairs.
First Minister Jack McConnell has hinted that ministers might in future be personally involved in such decisions.
The move follows the capture of Michael Ferguson, a paranoid schizophrenic, who went on the run from the hospital for four days after being allowed to go shopping on his own.
Under the present rules the First Minister is required personally to authorise all permanent releases and transfers from Carstairs and is also responsible for authorising unescorted leave for any life prisoners or sex offenders detained there.
Neither of these categories applied to Ferguson. Other periods of unauthorised leave are approved by "expert" officials.