Improve support for prison staff - RCN

Published: 03 November 2009

Dr Peter Carter, of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today (3 November) welcomed the publication of Justice Committee's report The Role of the Prison Officer. He said that it was important to recognise that prison officers provide a security framework in which nurses work delivering healthcare in prisons, and that they should be adequately supported. He continued:

'The RCN welcomes this report which recognises our concerns that overcrowding in prisons has a significant negative impact on prison and healthcare staff, which in turn has a knock on effect to prisoners. The role of the Prison Officer is crucial in the delivery of healthcare to prisoners. To improve services and working conditions, and to decrease workplace stress, prison officers and healthcare staff should have adequate access to training and support, as well as occupational health services.

"Research has shown that prisoners suffer from poor physical health overall, and there are also very many prisoners with mental health problems, who need to be in specialist mental health facilities. It is alarming that many prisoners with mental health problems are not getting the treatment they need. Nurses and prison officers are working together to deliver services to prisoners but can only get so far in the face of the threat of prison overcrowding and congestion in the criminal justice system."

Ends

Notes for Editors

1. For further information, interviews or illustrations please contact the RCN Media Office on 0207 647 3633, press.office@rcn.org.uk or visit http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/media

2. Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interest of nurses and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organisations.