Prison Transfers: We are working with the Department of Health on new procedures to transfer acutely mentally ill prisoners to hospital. The Faculty Chair, Dr Janet Parrott is a member of the DoH group and Faculty members have been consulted about what's going on. We would like to hear your views. If you would like to know more please contact Katie Gray.

Economic Downturn: We have consulted forensic service clinical directors about the pressures they’re expecting form the economic downturn. The results were presented at the Forensic Annual General Meeting in Dublin. A paper is available. The Forensic Quality Network is considering setting up an advisory group.A further report is due out at the College AGM in June.You can read an initial College response to the downturn. For further information about the downturn and forensic services please contact Katie Gray.

Quality Network: We wholeheartedly support the Quality Network for Forensic Mental Health Services which is a highly successful forum with very wide membership (42/46 secure units and most of the private sector). We provide high level expert advice which helps the network facilitate quality improvements at an operational level. The network annual forum was held in April. Go to this page for further information.

Education Strategy: The curriculum has been re-approved by PMETB. This year's work on the curriculum will simplify it and will show progression of competencies. WPBA’s grading will be changing to fail, satisfactory, excellent. New Article 14 guidelines have been produced for Forensic Psychiatry. For more strategy information contact Dr John Kent via Greg Smith.