I work in healthcare in a notorious men's prison. AMA

[TexasTyson]

People generally find my job interesting and have a load of questions.

I'm a paramedic and I've given up working on the road (I.e. on ambulances) to work in a men's prison.

There is a detox unit and they go there first until their symptoms are under control. We provide Methadone and other medications to manage withdrawal.
They then have access to a huge amount of resources to help manage and beat their addiction if they want to.

Do you think the current prison system works? And if not what are the top three things you would change?

Do type 1 diabetics manage their own insulin or do you have to do it for them?

Like with everything, money is key. The prison itself is old, it needs updating.

But yes, I do think it works for the most part.

Do prisoners have access to mental health support and preventative treatments?

Same as on the outside, those that are capable manage themselves and those that need help get it.

Yes, there is a large mental health department.

Is there anything that has surprised you since working there?

Is there anything that seems a common theme among the prisoners?

It's surprised me just how much healthcare can be done in house.

It's also surprised me how many small rules and regs there are that we have to follow. It's a completely different way of working.

No one theme, there's such a range of different people. But everyone wants a good job and a single cell!

What’s the food like?

Most complicated thing you’ve had to do?

Hit and miss. Mostly miss.

They can buy snacks, noodles, chocolate etc though.

Dealing with people who have ongoing mental health issues, especially if that is causing them to behave violently.

Oh and some very complex stitches!

Oh actually also trying to send someone to A&E for something that's urgent but not ambulance worthy. The logistics are headache inducing!

so interesting OP! What other clinicians work in the healthcare team?

Really interesting! What would you change about the set up if you had a magic wand? Either from the clinical side or the overall operational side of things?

Pretty much everyone!

GPs
Dentists
Podiatrists
Physios
Opticians
Various types of nurses (A&E, practice nurse, public health, mental health, diabetic nurse, etc) and healthcare assistants
Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians
Psychiatrists
Psychologists
Councillors

I've probably missed some!

Some work.there permanently, some are part time or bank/locums and have other jobs too.

Speed.

Everything on the prison side is sloooow. Everything.

I'd also like better computers and easier access to scissors.

What's 'notorious' s as bout the prison you work in?

It's pretty famous. Most people in this country have heard of it.

I'm surprised to read that. I'm a volunteer in a different kind of secure facility in the detention estate, and the healthcare is pretty appalling. The residents rarely get more than a paracetamol for anything, and most only get to see a nurse. They'd definitely do better outside.

The healthcare contract has recently changed provider, so maybe it'll get better? But I think that in the prison and detention estate it probably varies wildly, depending who the provider is. Sounds like you work for a good one.

Podiatrist? Blimey.
How does one get arrested OP? Asking for a friend

I have a colleague who worked in detention. She said the same. Its why she left. I really hope it will improve, it sounds dangerous.

The provider I work for supplies a lot of UK prisons so there is a solid framework in place and a high standard of care.

Jeeze. Just saw that list. 'My' institution doesn't have anything but nurses, and maybe a visiting dentist occasionally (and counsellors, but they aren't under health care, and work for a different provider)