References
Prison nurses shaping healthcare transformation
Abstract
Prison nurses work in a distinctive and challenging setting and play a vital role in delivering a range of healthcare services. They offer compassionate care to a diverse and often vulnerable inmate population, addressing complex health needs. Their role is multifaceted, encompassing health assessments, mental health care, management of minor injuries and illnesses, end-of-life care, substance misuse treatment, emergency care, and managing long-term conditions. In addition to running nurse consultation clinics, they are pivotal in safeguarding the wellbeing of inmates. Employed either directly by the NHS or via private healthcare providers, prison nurses collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, in a unique healthcare environment.
Prison nurses work in a distinctive and challenging setting and play a vital role in delivering a range of healthcare services. They offer compassionate care to a diverse and often vulnerable inmate population, addressing complex health needs. Their role is multifaceted, encompassing health assessments, mental health care, management of minor injuries and illnesses, end-of-life care, substance misuse treatment, emergency care, and managing long-term conditions. In addition to running nurse consultation clinics, they are pivotal in safeguarding the wellbeing of inmates. Employed either directly by the NHS or via private healthcare providers, prison nurses collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, in a unique healthcare environment.
As of March 2024, the UK had a prison population of around 97 700 people (House of Commons Library, 2024). Overcrowding in prisons in England and Wales has led to some early releases (Kotecha and Casciani, 2024). A report from HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) states that financial pressures are increasing due to mounting costs (HMPPS, 2024). There is a pressing need to re-evaluate and address the healthcare needs of prisoners.
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting British Journal of Nursing and reading some of our peer-reviewed resources for nurses. To read more, please register today. You’ll enjoy the following great benefits:
What's included
-
Limited access to clinical or professional articles
-
Unlimited access to the latest news, blogs and video content