Healthcare in HMP Leeds
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HMP Leeds invited Healthwatch Leeds to find out what works well and what can be improved with the healthcare in Armley prison, following the implementation of a new contract with healthcare service provider Care UK. Healthwatch worked collaboratively with Care UK and talked to 23 prisoners about their experiences.
The majority of the prisoners were happy overall with the prison's healthcare service. They were satisfied with the way they were treated and spoke highly of healthcare staff. Healthwatch received very positive feedback regarding the healthcare representatives (HCRs). They are clearly a valuable asset to both the healthcare team and prisoners at HMP Leeds. The content of the information for prisoners was considered good and useful by those who had received them.
The provision of information about healthcare services appears to be inconsistent.
The majority of prisoners highlighted the appointments system as the one area they would like to improve.
Many prisoners suggested that HCRs could play a greater role in supporting the healthcare team. Lack of experienced prison officers and adequate staffing on prison wing was felt to be a key factor in many of the negative issues highlighted by prisoners.
Some prisoners felt the nurses administering medication were under supported by prison officers.
There was a general mistrust of, and lack of respect for, Prison Officers. Many prisoners also felt they hindered the work of the healthcare team. Prisoners said that there was nobody to tell if they were being bullied/intimidated to give away their medication.