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Prison Healthcare

Prison Service healthcareThe aim of the Prison Service is to provide prisoners with a level of healthcare equivalent to that in the community and appropriate to their needs.

The Associate Director of Health & Healthcare has oversight of the provision of healthcare services supported by the Chief Nursing Adviser.

The Prison Service makes provision for Primary Care medical services delivered by Medical Officers and local General Practitioners employed by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Health. The Prison Service employs a large number of First Level Nurses and Healthcare Officers who provide a wide range of services including primary care, mental health support and other support services.

Secondary Care services are provided by a range of Consultant Physicians and Surgeons through a number of Health and Social Services Trusts. Specific provision is also made for Psychiatric Services by Consultant Psychiatrists through two HSS Trusts. There is also in place provision for Services by a number of Professions Allied to Medicine - Occupational Therapy, Podiatry, Radiology, Physiotherapy, Dietetics and Optometry.

Pharmacy services are provided by Boots the Chemist.

Examples of good/innovative practice in this area:

Mental Health Services are well developed in Maghaberry Prison including a Prison Community Mental Health Nurse providing support to patients. This model mirrors the community as it allows the patient to remain in a house block and take part in normal prison life.

New developments:

  • The report of a major independent review of the provision of healthcare services was published in April 2002. The report was subject to wide consultation. The Associate Director of Health & Healthcare is taking forward the implementation process for the accepted recommendations.

  • Standards covering all aspects of the provision of healthcare have been drawn up and await final approval for publication.

  • An Operational Policy document has been drafted for the Psychiatric Unit within Maghaberry Prison which should be agreed soon.

Publications:

  • Suicide and Self-Harm Guidelines.

  • Advice about HIV/AIDS.

  • Psychiatric Unit at Maghaberry Prison.