Prisons’ Minister Paul Goggins and Michael McGimpsey, Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety jointly announced today the transfer of £6 million to the Department of Health as it assumes lead responsibility for Prison healthcare.

Welcoming the transfer, Mr. Goggins said:

“The transfer of prisoner healthcare from the Northern Ireland Prison Service to the DHSSPS will bring about a direct improvement in the quality of healthcare available to prisoners. This transfer is a key part of the modernisation of the Prison Service.

“I pay tribute to those who have provided prisoner healthcare in the past. However, major benefits will arise from the transfer including integration with the wider health and social care services, and improvement in the interface between prison and the community. Prisoners will now have access to a wider range of expertise and specialist staff to improve their health in prison and help prepare for their return to the community.

“This change brings Northern Ireland into line with the approach taken in England and Wales and will provide staff with new opportunities to improve their personal and professional development.

“Extensive consultation has taken place between the NIO and the DHSSPS and have included the Prison Service, the Eastern Health and Social Services Board and the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust. We are grateful to all those who have contributed to the changes announced today. ”

A new Assistant Director for Prison Healthcare has recently taken up post in the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust in preparation for the transfer. Additional investment from the Department of Health and the Prison Service has also been identified for the strategic priorities identified by the Ministers, including mental health and substance misuse.

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said: “I strongly believe that prisoners are entitled to the same standard of healthcare as that available in the wider community.

“The health needs of prisoners will of course present specific challenges. Mental health problems and substance misuse are significantly more common among the prison population than in the general population.

“Many prisoners are also only in custody for a short period of time before returning to the community. It is therefore vitally important that there is continuity of care. Ongoing linkages with community based services must be established, in order to ensure people receive the correct treatment, to minimise future risk to both themselves and to others. This is an area I want to see given particular attention by the health and social care sector as we move forward.”

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