Change in healthcare at prison (From Hampshire Chronicle)

Change in healthcare at prison

10:48am Friday 3rd October 2008

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HEALTHCARE at Winchester Prison has been taken over by a Portsmouth-based primary care trust.

Portsmouth City Teaching Primary Care Trust has also taken on responsibility for caring for the sick at the Immigration Removal Centre at Haslar, Gosport.

The £1.7 million contract will see the PCT providing nursing and therapy services, and managing sub-contracted services for primary medical, ophthalmology and pharmacy services at both sites.

Hampshire PCT Commissions is responsible for the provision of healthcare services at both locations, and these are currently provided by the prison authority or under contract to Hampshire PCT.

Judy Hillier, director of clinical and community services at Portsmouth City Teaching PCT, said: "Prisoners often have complex health and social needs, and services were previously provided without any formal link with the NHS.

"This new arrangement will mean healthcare staff at HMP Winchester and IRC Haslar will link to our district nursing team, so staff will benefit from professional training with their peers, and experience a high level of support in their work.

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