Inside Out: Experiences of healthcare following release from prison

This is a report by Healthwatch Lancashire. The project looks at healthcare experieces of those following prison.

Healthwatch Lancashire set out to investigate the continuation of healthcare for those leaving the prison system and identify key issues people are facing when returning home or relocating following release. A total of three people were spoken to for the project, as well as a number of local groups that support people from prison.

Project objectives:

• Identify any key areas needing improvement in line with feedback from those using the services and to share this information with relevant healthcare providers

• Support the forming/developing of open, transparent lines of communication between prison and external healthcare providers to provide a more seamless transition from inside to outside health services

• To allow for those using the services to have their voices heard

• To be able to share good practice 

There are recommendations in this report.

1) Look at how medical records can be shared more effectively between prison healthcare providers and GPs to ensure that access to necessary medication is not delayed.

2) Work on reducing stigma and judgement in community health services, include those with lived experience to identify how this could be achieved.

3) Look at improving communication with those being released in order for them to be more fully aware on how to register with a GP, dentist etc.

There are no follow up actions in this report. However the intention is to do more work in this area.