26.10.16
PHE calls for greater ‘golden thread’ integration to improve prison healthcare
Prison healthcare needs to be more integrated with the local community and more cost-effective, a rapid review by Public Health England has found.
The report concluded that there had been “significant improvements” in prison healthcare since the DH and the NHS took over responsibility for commissioning in 2006. These included requirements to implement national evidence-based practices and standards, and systematically assessing the health needs of the prison population.
NHS England contracts out prison healthcare to companies including Care UK and The Phoenix Partnership.
However, PHE found a number of further improvements were needed. These included a ‘golden thread’ between national and local health and justice activities, with partnerships between CCGs, health and wellbeing boards and police and crime commissioners.
It also said there should be more systematic links between prison and community services. For example, community rehabilitation companies should provide stronger links with the community to help resolve complex health needs, especially for prisoners with learning disabilities and mental illness.
Furthermore, it called for a ‘whole prison approach’, taking into account how staffing level and security issues affect prisoners’ access to healthcare, as well as staff health levels.
In addition, PHE said that the cost effectiveness of prison healthcare needed to be addressed, as the NHS as a whole struggles to cope with its deficit.
It recommended carrying out a long-term cost-benefit analysis and looking at areas including the best skill-mix of staff, a greater focus on preventative treatment, and better support for families of prisoners. The report said this could even include a vanguard model of care for prisons, using a lead provider model and a strong focus on self-care.
To address workforce issues, it said health and prison staff should work more closely together to promote understanding of the two systems, and Health Education England should be an active partner in training prison healthcare staff.
(Image c. Anthony Devlin from PA Wire and PA Images)
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