Three Levels of Forensic Security — MRCPsych Paper B MCQ

Correct answer: C — High secure, medium secure, and low secure

Explanation lettering: D = shown as A · A = shown as B · B = shown as C · E = shown as D · C = shown as E

The correct answer is B. UK adult secure forensic mental health inpatient services recognise three levels: high secure, medium secure and low secure. Placement is determined by the patient’s clinical needs and the degree of physical, procedural and relational security required to manage risk safely. Movement to a lower level may form part of recovery, but progression is not necessarily linear or automatic. “Open, closed and locked” are descriptive ward terms rather than the recognised forensic security levels. Ward, hospital and prison are settings, while acute, rehabilitation and community describe phases or types of care. Categories A, B and C are prison security classifications, not forensic psychiatric security levels.

Reference: Competition and Markets Authority. Cygnet/Cambian Adult Services merger inquiry: appendices and glossary to the provisional findings report, Appendix B, paragraphs 16–18. 2017. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/599fe2dae5274a28b2940e7e/provisional-findings-appendices-and-glossary.pdf