Overcoming prison healthcare challenges – Solutions for better care

Prison healthcare challenges in the UK present unique and complex issues, impacting some of the most vulnerable individuals in society. With over 97,000 prisoners across the country, the population includes some of the most vulnerable individuals, often suffering from chronic illnesses, substance misuse and mental health disorders. Addressing these issues effectively, while maintaining safety and dignity, requires innovative solutions and widespread reform.

The health crisis in UK prisons

The health needs of prisoners are disproportionately high. According to the Prison Reform Trust, 60% of male prisoners and over 80% of women suffer from mental health conditions. Additionally, around 33% of prisoners have a chronic illness such as diabetes or hypertension. Substance misuse adds to the problem, with a third of prisoners showing signs of addiction.

The mental health crisis is particularly alarming. Suicide rates in prisons are six times higher than in the general population. A prisoner dies by suicide every four days in the UK, while deaths from cardiovascular illness or drug-related overdoses occur every six days. These issues are not just tragic—they are also costly. The average cost of a suicide in UK prisons is £2.4 million.

Meeting these needs while ensuring safety, security and dignity is demanding for both prisoners and staff.

Key prison healthcare challenges

Limited access to care

Accessing healthcare in prisons is logistically difficult. Staff shortages, security concerns and scheduling conflicts, often lead to missed appointments. Research shows 43% of male prisoners and 48% of female prisoners missed outpatient appointments . These delays can leave serious health issues untreated.

Lack of continuity of care

Prisoners frequently move between establishments or are released, disrupting their care. New prisoners having unknown and possibly undiagnosed issues which makes them very vulnerable and possibly dangerous to themselves or others. Without an integrated electronic health record solution, medical histories are often incomplete or inaccessible.

Skills and training gaps

Prison staff are often required to manage a wide range of health conditions, including acute mental illnesses. However, many lack the necessary training in mental health care and trauma-informed practices. With 40% of prisoners experiencing mental health issues, this skills gap hinders the delivery of effective care and adds to staff stress.

Observation vs privacy

Prison observations are vital for safety but come with challenges. Gaps between checks, based on risk levels, leave periods where harm can occur, especially after an observation. While constant monitoring reduces risks, it can intrude on privacy and dignity, forcing staff to balance safety with prisoner well-being.

Technology transforming prison healthcare

Fortunately advancements in trauma-informed care and technology, offer promising solutions in overcoming these challenges.

Telemedicine – allows virtual consultations, reducing the need for physical transportation. The Airedale NHS Foundation Trust has successfully provided secure video links for prison outpatient appointments since 2006, improving efficiency and patient satisfaction.

Unified health records – The NHS’s RECONNECT service ensures continuity of care by connecting prisoners’ health records between prison and community healthcare systems, ensuring no one falls through the cracks.

Wearable health technology – Wearable devices, such as glucose monitors for diabetes, enable real-time tracking of chronic conditions. This proactive approach reduces the need for frequent in-person checks.

In-cell health monitoring – AI-driven systems are now being used to monitor in-cell health and detect abnormal events. These tools provide real-time alerts for issues like self-harm attempts, ensuring immediate intervention while minimising intrusiveness.

By integrating autonomous monitoring technology, establishments can now take proactive or immediate action in response to mental or physical health emergencies, enhancing both safety and care standards within secure environments. This technology empowers staff to respond swiftly and effectively, preventing harm and improving overall well-being. Lava Group is proud to work in this field to drive these innovations forward.

The Path Forward

To address the prison healthcare challenges, a multifaceted approach is required:

• Investing in staff – Improve recruitment, retention and training for prison healthcare workers and staff to meet prisoners’ complex needs.
• Expanding telehealth – Increase access to telemedicine services to ensure timely access to care without logistical disruptions.
• Implementing technology – Adopt AI-driven monitoring systems to detect health risks early and improve safety.
• Prioritising mental health – Increase resources for mental health care, including trauma-informed practices and digital tools to provide better support.

Prison healthcare is more than a matter of individual well-being; it’s a public health priority. Untreated health conditions among prisoners not only impact prisoners but also affect society when they re-integrate back into the community. Addressing prison healthcare challenges ensures safer, healthier outcomes for individuals and contributes to the broader goal of creating healthier communities.

By combining policy reform, technological innovation and improved training; prison healthcare can be transformed, ensuring every individual receives the care and dignity they deserve.