About 100 mentally-ill patients held in Jersey police cells last year

About 100 mentally-ill patients were held in police cells in Jersey last year, it has emerged.

Health Minster Andrew Green said a children's ward would be refurbished in a bid to stop young vulnerable people being detained.

Currently, young people who need a place of safety are held in custody suites due to a lack of suitable facilities.

The plans and cost of the project are yet to be revealed.

Senator Andrew Green said it was his priority to stop such treatment of vulnerable young people.

Part of the hospital ward would be refurbished to accommodate teenagers with specialist needs, he said.

Last year the island's child mental health services were severely criticised for a lack of appropriate facilities for young adults.