Country

United Kingdom

Detention issue

Healthcare

FRA research findings

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Legal instruments & key provisions

Legal instrument Key provision
England and Wales - Prison Rules 1999Prisoners are entitled to have access to the same range and quality of services as the general public receives from the National Health Service (NHS). Provided that it is approved by a member of the prison medical team, treatment is free.
Scotland - Prisons and Young Offenders Institutions (Scotland) Rules 2011Prison health services generally provide primary care, mental health care and addictions treatments. Most staff are nurses, general practitioners (GPs), clinical psychologists and pharmacists. External specialists visit occasionally and are generally consultant psychiatrists, dentists, opticians and allied health professions such as physiotherapists.
Northern Ireland - Prison and Young Offenders Centres Rules (Northern Ireland) 1995Prison health services are provided by the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust. Prisoners receive primary care. Most staff are nurses, GPs, dentists and pharmacy staff.

NATIONAL PREVENTIVE MECHANISM RECOMMENDATIONS

Year Recommendation Report
2017The NPM for England and Wales expects prisoners to have access to healthcare services “that accurately assess and meet their health, social care and substance use needs”. There is a total of 11 specific recommendations on “Health, well-being and social care”, along with targeted indicators: Patients are cared for by services that accurately assess and meet their health, social care and substance use needs and which promote continuity of health and social care on release. Patients receive treatment which is sensitive to their diverse needs from competent staff in an environment that promotes dignity and maintains privacy. Prisoners are supported and encouraged to optimise their health and well-being. Prisoners’ immediate health, substance use and social care needs are recognised on reception and responded to promptly and effectively. Patients’ individual ongoing health care needs are addressed through an appropriate range of care services. Continuity of care is maintained on transfer or release. Patients requiring 24-hour nursing care are supported by a regime, facilities, and health staff to meet their individual needs. Prisoners with social care and support needs are identified and receive assessment, care packages, adaptations and advocacy services that continue on release or transfer. Prisoners with mental health problems are identified promptly and supported by community-equivalent services to optimise their mental well-being during their stay and on transfer or release. An effective whole-prison strategic approach to drugs and alcohol ensures the demand for drugs and alcohol is reduced. Prisoners can promptly access safe, effective and individualised clinical and psychosocial support. Prisoners receive community-equivalent, person-centred medicines optimisation and pharmacy services. Prisoners receive timely, community-equivalent dental services, including oral health promotion. Report details
2018The NPM for Scotland issued 17 standards regarding access to healthcare : “All prisoners receive care and treatment which takes account of all relevant NHS standards, guidelines and evidence-based treatments. Healthcare professionals play an effective role in preventing harm associated with prison life and in promoting the health and wellbeing of all prisoners. An assessment of the individual’s immediate health and wellbeing is undertaken as part of the admission process to inform care planning. The individual’s healthcare needs are assessed and addressed throughout the individual’s stay in prison. Health improvement, health prevention and health promotion information and activities are available for everyone. All stakeholders demonstrate commitment to addressing the health inequalities of prisoners. Everyone with a mental health condition has access to treatment equitable to that available in the community, and is supported with their wellbeing throughout their stay in prison, on transfer and on release. Everyone with a long-term health condition has access to treatment equitable to that available in the community, and is supported with their wellbeing throughout their stay in prison, on transfer and on release. Everyone who is dependent on drugs and/or alcohol receives treatment equitable to that available in the community, and is supported with their wellbeing throughout their stay in prison, on transfer and on release. There is a comprehensive medical and pharmacy service delivered by the service. Support and advice is provided to maintain and maximise individuals’ oral health. All pregnant women, and those caring for babies and young children, receive care and support equitable to that available in the community, and are supported with their wellbeing throughout their stay in prison, on transfer and on release. Everyone with palliative care or end of life care needs can access treatment and support equitable to that in the community, and is supported throughout their stay in prison, on transfer and on release. Everyone at risk of self-harm or suicide receives safe, effective and person-centred treatment, and support with their wellbeing throughout their stay in prison, on transfer and on release. All feedback, comments and complaints are managed in line with the respective local NHS Board policy. All complaints are recorded and responded to in a timely manner. All NHS staff demonstrate an understanding of the ethical, safety and procedural responsibilities involved in delivering healthcare in a prison setting. The prison implements national standards and guidance, and local NHS Board policies for infection prevention and control. The prison healthcare leadership team is proactive in workforce planning and management. Staff feel supported to deliver safe, effective, and person-centred care. There is a commitment from the NHS Board to the delivery of safe, effective and person-centred care which ensures a culture of continuous improvement. Report details