Enter and view: HM Prison Wandsworth
Download (PDF 338.16 KB)Summary of report content
Healthwatch Wandsworth spent almost a year gathering evidence on health and social care services in HMP Wandsworth through visits, meetings with staff, prisoner healthcare representatives, a survey of 36 prisoners and feedback from prison visitors. The report found that healthcare staff were working in extremely challenging circumstances, including overcrowding, high prisoner turnover, staffing pressures and ageing prison facilities.
While there was evidence of good practice, including the use of Healthcare Representatives and efforts to resolve concerns informally, prisoners frequently reported long waiting times for appointments, difficulties accessing some services, particularly dentistry and mental health support, and confusion about what services were available. Visitors also raised concerns about delays in treatment, access to medication and support for prisoners with mental health needs
Key Findings
- Long waiting times and missed appointments were the most common concerns raised by prisoners.
- Access to dental services was a particular problem, especially for remand and short-term prisoners.
- Prisoners and Healthcare Representatives often lacked information about available health and mental health services.
- Healthcare staff were generally viewed positively, with many prisoners describing them as helpful and compassionate, although experiences varied.
- The report identified concerns about support for older prisoners, disabled prisoners and those with social care needs, some of whom relied on assistance from other prisoners.
- Healthcare facilities were outdated, although plans were in place for a new healthcare centre.
Conclusion
Healthwatch concluded that prison healthcare staff were providing services under difficult conditions, but that improvements were needed in access to care, information provision, mental health support, social care, and joint working across prison, healthcare and social services. The report strongly supported the development of a new healthcare centre and called for better information for prisoners, shorter waiting times and improved support for vulnerable groups.