• Prison healthcare

Archived: HMP YOI Northumberland

Near Morpeth, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE65 9XG

Provided and run by:
Practice Plus Group Hospitals Limited

All Inspections

17 February 2015

During an inspection looking at part of the service

A revised information leaflet had been created which was issued to service users on their arrival at the secure establishment. A regional leaflet had also been produced which informed patients of the risk assessment process.

A large selection of patient questionnaires were seen which contained positive feedback about the health services provided in HMP Northumberland.

Unfortunately, given the imminent change to the healthcare provider, posters and leaflets which had been previously available on the prison wings had been collected and were not visible at the time of our inspection.

Evidence was seen of 'User Voice', an external organisation, now managing internal patient council meetings which included a pre-meeting involving staff health representatives. Health presentations at inductions and the introduction of healthcare mentors were also now in place. Minutes from monthly operational and safer custody meetings highlighted good discussions of relevant health issues. Complex case registers had been created and regular meetings were taking place to review the individuals on that register. Holistic health plans were also in place. Patients told us that they had received health inductions and that complaint leaflets were readily available.

8, 9 September 2014

During a themed inspection looking at Offender Healthcare

Care UK held the contract for the overall running and co-ordination of healthcare services at HMP Northumberland. The general practice (GP) sub contract was held by another provider, as were services such as the dental provider and optician. The site had a paper based application system and appointments for all the services were co-ordinated by Care UK staff. There were two healthcare centres, the main building was located at the far end of the site, and a smaller healthcare unit was based near to the entrance to the site. Clinics were held in both healthcare centres.

During our inspection we found that patients did not feel involved in decision making about their care and treatment. Information was limited regarding the services available and patients gave mixed feedback regarding how their privacy and dignity was maintained. We found evidence that clinical decisions were made with little or no communication with the patient.

Patients were generally positive about healthcare services and we found that treatment was appropriate and timely. Waiting lists were at acceptable levels and patients were able to access a wide range of clinics and medical input.

There was a lack of collaborative working between the different providers contracted to provide healthcare services which led to disjointed approaches to patients with complex needs. This was being addressed by the new manager but there had not been any impact from this work at the time of our visit.

Medication was handled and managed appropriately. There were regular medication reviews being carried out. Pharmacy services were not being utilised effectively by the wider healthcare service.

There were clear clinical governance and general monitoring systems. However the impact of this was not fully evident at the time of our inspection.

The complaints system was not advertised or understood by patients. There was a lack of collaborative working with regard to responding to complaints and no system in place for analysing trends and themes.

12 June 2012

During a routine inspection

Group meetings were held with about sixty prisoners and although there were positive comments, there also were some issues raised around the levels of respect they had received from healthcare staff.

People waiting to use the service said; 'it was not possible to improve the service', 'nurse polite and knowledgeable', 'very professional but friendly and informative' and 'can't improve, good, excellent'. People who used the service also said 'listen to us, not judge' and 'don't have so many people down at the same time'.

A common complaint received was about the hot and uncomfortable waiting rooms.

People who used the service also said 'don't have so many people down at the same time' and that their experience could be improved 'by providing the same service as we would get on the outside off our own GP'. They said that healthcare staff worked hard to make sure their care needs were met and we were told that most staff were attentive, helpful and appeared to be interested in making sure their healthcare needs were met.