17 Sentenced to poor health
Resolution submitted by the RCN Lewisham and North Southwark Branch
That this meeting of RCN Congress condemns the current overcrowding in prisons because of the effect that this has on prisoners’ health and on the prison nurses who care for them
- Work led by the Nursing Development Committee
- Lead RCN Council member: Les Storey
Following the debate at RCN Congress in 2007, which focused on severe prison overcrowding as well as the need for better prison nurse training, the RCN’s prison nursing adviser met with the former Prisons Minister, Gerry Sutcliffe, twice to discuss this resolution. A clear message was given to the Minister regarding the impact of overcrowding upon nursing staff and the people who are in prison. Ongoing discussions were welcomed and closer collaboration required.
In September 2007 the RCN contributed to an European Public Service Union meeting (EPSU) in Brussels to discuss overcrowding in prisons and its impact across Europe. This has led to an agreement for a joint day of action on 28 February 2008 in Brussels, and simultaneous activities to highlight the impact of overcrowding in a number of EU contries. The day of action was planned to coincide with the meeting of EU and Home Affairs Justice Ministers. A joint guidance for EU member states is in production, and the RCN is delighted to have been closely involved in the development of this work. The guidance will provide a clear view of ‘acceptable’ practices and existing EU policy guidance.
At the RCN Prison Nursing Forum’s annual conference in October 2007, which focussed on the Congress resolution, Elizabeth Tysoe (Head of Health Inspection, Her Majestys' Inspectorate of Prisons) chaired the event and contributors included Juliet Lyon (Prison Reform Trust) and Emma Bradley (Prisons and Probation Deputy Ombudsman).
During 2007 the RCN placed increased emphasis upon the importance of listening to nurses within the wider criminal justice services, and how prison overcrowding impacts upon those working in the police, probation, immigration and court services. A two-day meeting took place for RCN activist members in these areas to come together and focus upon their contribution to future activities.
In November 2007 a Department of Health (England) consultation document Improving health, supporting justice was produced. The RCN consulted with its members to ensure that the importance of nursing care, provision and support were included.
The RCN activities around this important resolution are by no means complete. Overcrowding in prisons remains, and will remain for the forseeable future, of significant importance to the public, to ministers and to the people who work in or reside in prisons. The RCN will continue to lead activities to support frontline staff and its members who work across the broad spectrum of nursing in justice services within the United Kingdom.