Report by HM Inspectorate of Prisons on HM Prison, Penninghame 1997

8. Healthcare

Medical Services

8.1 Medical services were provided from a local practice in Newton Stewart by a doctor who had been involved with Penninghame for over 18 years. He visited on one morning per week, though he was also on call for any emergencies; prisoners could also be treated in his surgery in the town.

8.2 Nursing cover was for 37 hours per week and was currently being provided by a Practitioner Nurse - who, coincidentally, was a registered mental nurse. She was available from 0730 to 1630 hours each week day, during which up to three separate surgeries were conducted. (Prisoners also seemed to call in more or less when they wanted.) On average, ten prisoners a day were being seen.

8.3 The services of specialists such as an optician or a chiropodist were made available to prisoners on an as required basis. There was no nominated psychologist though a centrally directed service based at SPS HQ was very shortly expected to be able to assist where required. Psychiatric referrals were made to the Crichton Royal at Dumfries, whilst a CPN had (until very recently) been assisting with drug advice - see paragraph 5.6.

8.4 The Health Centre was situated in a downstairs room in the main building and was equipped to a basic but adequate standard. Medical records appeared to be satisfactory and the nurse confirmed that she and the MO were working towards the establishment in the near future of a Kardex System.

8.5 A drugs cabinet was securely maintained in the treatment room, with supplies being provided by Dumfries and Galloway Health Board on a weekly top up basis; in the case of an emergency, items could be obtained overnight or from a local chemist. The rate of prescriptions, at about 15/20 per week, was compatible with the age and status of the population and we were satisfied with the checking and auditing procedures. We noted also that where methadone was being prescribed at week-ends, a reasonably secure system had been devised which satisfied the needs of patients but did not place undue pressure on Discipline Officers (there being no nursing cover at week-ends).

8.6 Dental treatment was provided through a local practice.

Comment

8.7 In general, the appropriate medical facilities had been developed over the years; a major change in recent times had been the requirement to adjust to the growing drug problem. We noted that the MO and his staff had been very closely involved with the development of drug strategies (see also paragraph 5.3) and that individuals who had been on home leave were routinely seen by the nurse within one day of return to check for possible signs of drug abuse. Separately, there was contact with a consultant psychiatrist and staff from the Cameron House Drug Rehabilitation Centre.

Suicide Prevention Strategy

8.8 There had been no recent suicides or attempted suicides and we were generally satisfied with the establishments' prevention strategies. In any case, any prisoner giving concern would normally be returned to closed conditions, where more appropriate facilities and support existed.