PEOPLE with serious mental health problems are being sent to Dorchester Prison instead of getting appropriate treatment.

That is the message in an annual report from Dorchester Prison's independent monitoring board.

Concern has been echoed by the prison's deputy governor Steve Hodson.

Reacting to the report, he said: "Obviously we have no control over who comes in here.

"But my perception is that we seem to be getting an increasing number of prisoners with mental health problems that need care in more appropriate locations - sometimes hospitals.

"All we can do is continue to provide the best level of care we can."

The report said personality disorders, behavioural problems and even psychosis were being battled by prisoners.

Board members say they fear a tragedy could occur at any time' because of the problem.

Report findings cover the period between October 2006 and last September.

Other concerns highlighted include an incident where a doctor and paramedic were refused entry to treat a sick inmate and a rise in assaults, bullying and harrasment caused by overcrowding.

But despite the criticisms, the report concluded: "Overall, the performance of all staff has been commendable.

"In this reporting year every area of the prison has continued to improve.

"Prisoners in this establishment feel that they are in a safe and secure environment."

The report praised drug and alcohol programmes, prisoner learning programmes, hard-working staff, effective use of drug sniffer dogs, a second to none' gym and the professional way an inmate's death was handled in July.

But in addition to mental health worries, the report also voiced concern for those with learning difficulties.

It said: "They are unlikely to receive adequate levels of support including help to address their offending behaviour.

"The chances of effective rehabilitation are limited and therefore it is more likely that this group of offenders will commit further crimes and return to prison."

The report said some visiting times were too short and problem prisoners were being moved between prisons in the South West to give respite to officers.

A dangerous prisoner's recent five-week stay at Dorchester cost the service about £12,000 in special arrangements, including extra officers and 24-hour supervision.

Mr Hodson said a doctor's refused entry to the prison was an 'isolated incident' due to the person being unaware of security rules and failing to produce identification.

A prisoner suspected of suffering from appendicitis was instead taken to hospital by taxi.

Mr Hodson said: "This report is the result of exceptional hard work by members of staff and it's really great and encouraging that the board have recognised we are continuing to improve."

Last week a survey of inmates at Dorchester Prison found it to be among the country's top local prisons for quality of life.