In the course of his annual inspections of mental health facilities the inspector monitors the extent to which the guidelines are followed in each location and, should he deem it appropriate, comments on the matter in his annual report. One area of mental health nursing where particular concerns in relation to safety and security might arise is the provision of patient escorts. In response to the difficulties and concerns raised by psychiatric nurses, the Garda Síochána and service providers, a working group, which included representatives of the various interests involved, was established in October 2001 to review the practice of patient escorts in mental health services.