Prisons and special hospitals - resources
Here are links to evidence-based resources which support this area of practice. You may also want to refer to information about the national service frameworks and strategies across the UK.
Some of the resources on this page are in PDF format - see how to access PDF files.
Guidelines and guidance
Department of Health (2009) PALS in prison: a toolkit and good practice guidance for implementing Patient Advice and Liaison Services in a secure setting
This is designed to be read by commissioners and providers of health care in the criminal or youth justice sectors. It looks at the benefits of having a Patient Advice and Liaison Service in a secure setting in prisons and makes suggestions for implementing and delivering PALS in prisons drawing on the experiences of PCTs and prisons already providing a PALS service
Department of Health (2007) Good practice in prison health
Outlines examples of good practice in the provision of health services to offenders in prison and the community. The examples were gathered from surveys, literature and internet searches and individual submissions and include some that are specific to diabetes.
Diabetes UK (2006) Diabetes and the disadvantaged
A report by the All Parliamentary Group for Diabetes and Diabetes UK, which looks at the current link between Type 2 diabetes, socio economic deprivation and diversity in the UK. It also examines possible solutions to tackling this pattern of high diabetes prevalence and poor health outcomes amongst diverse communities.
Diabetes UK (2005) Position statement: Prisons: care of people with diabetes
A position statement from Diabetes UK states that "People with diabetes in prisons have unique circumstances and should receive equivalent care standards to all people with diabetes", and describes what is required to enable this.
Other resources
Offender Health Research Network
The Network is funded by Offender Health at the Department of Health, and is a collaboration between several universities, based at the University of Manchester.
Prison Health Research Network: The healthcare challenges of older people in prisons - a briefing paper (PDF 381KB)
This briefing paper reviews published research and government literature regarding the health and healthcare of older prisoners in the United Kingdom and across the world. The Prison Health Research Network has now become the Offender Health Research Network.
Royal College of Nursing Diabetes Nursing Forum: Update on prison diabetic care audit
This is an initial brief report on the findings of a nationwide audit exploring diabetes care in UK prisons. This was undertaken in response to forum members’ concerns. The audit has identified areas of excellence as well as areas that require further work and support to improve the quality of care.
Royal College of Nursing social inclusion resource: offenders
This section of the social inclusion resource looks at how social exclusion impacts on offenders and their health. It includes information about policy, relevant agencies, key guidance and the experiences of offenders.
Go to the prisons and special hospitals menu.