ALT HM Inspectorate of Prisons graphic showing the interior of a prison wing with cell doors, walkways and railings. The HM Inspectorate of Prisons logo appears in the top left corner. A portrait of a person in a suit appears in the lower left corner. Overlaid text reads: “It is not acceptable for people with severe mental illness who need urgent treatment to be remanded to prison or left waiting excessive periods for hospital places. The individuals concerned are at risk of suffering serious and potentially irreversible harm. Meanwhile, prison staff and other prisoners are left coping with the consequences of a system that is failing to provide timely access to specialist care. Last month I wrote to ministers to call for immediate action. Prisons should not become the default destination for individuals whose primary need is urgent mental health treatment.” The quote is attributed to “HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, Charlie Taylor”.