Prison healthcare

On arrival in prison, everyone is offered a health assessment by our nursing team, to determine their immediate healthcare needs. Patients are also offered a mental health assessment within five days of being in custody, and a substance misuse assessment.

Our onsite admin teams connect with the patient’s community GP, Pharmacy and any other relevant healthcare teams or services, to ensure any treatment or appointments that have begun in the community can continue in prison.

This information is gathered through patient interviews and records. However, we understand that sometimes this does not provide a comprehensive list of the services working with an individual. We ask community healthcare teams to get in touch if they have not been contacted about a patient they are aware has entered custody.

Get in touch

Every wing, houseblock and residential location in each of our prisons has an assigned primary care team. Healthcare needs that arise during custody will, in the first instance, be assessed by a primary healthcare nurse, who will advise on any next steps needed. This may include a referral to a GP, allied health professional services, mental health teams and substance misuse teams.

For any healthcare needs that can’t be met within prison settings, an external appointment is arranged. If physical or mental healthcare needs extend beyond that which can be safely managed within a community setting, a transfer to an acute setting is arranged.

Spectrum adopts a whole prison community approach to health promotion. We encourage everyone who works and lives in the prison setting to get involved and take responsibility for improving their own health and wellbeing. This has a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of the whole prison. Our health promotion approach includes a range of literature, campaigns and events that contribute to health education, disease prevention and health interventions.

Spectrum adopts a whole prison community approach to health promotion. We encourage everyone who works and lives in the prison setting to get involved and take responsibility for improving their own health and wellbeing. This has a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of the whole prison. Our health promotion approach includes a range of literature, campaigns and events that contribute to health education, disease prevention and health interventions.

When a patient is released from prison, our admin teams update the patients care record and contact their community GP.

If a release date is known, staff will contact relevant community health and social care services in advance, to advise them of the date and to facilitate continuity of care in the community. Please be aware that sometimes release addresses and dates can change with minimal notice, which is outwith the control of the healthcare team.

A discharge summary is provided to the GP and where possible to any other health and social care services as required.