Trust expands prison healthcare service
Nottinghamshire Healthcare has recently started providing physical and mental healthcare services to prisoners at HMP Leicester.
The contract, which began on 1 April, is an interim contract for one year covering the period until a new permanent provider is appointed. NHS England approached the Trust directly to take on the services following an unsuccessful procurement process for the permanent contract.
Anna Simpson, Senior Matron said: “We are really pleased to be looking after the physical and mental health of prisoners at HMP Leicester. The fact that NHS England approached us to take on the contract is really positive and great recognition of our prison healthcare services and the staff who provide them. We are really happy to join our colleagues in Turning Point who manage substance misuse services in the prison, and Leicester Partnership NHS Trust who provide our pharmacy and medicines management service.”
The existing healthcare staff in the prison transferred over from the previous provider to Nottinghamshire Healthcare, ensuring continuity of care to the prisoners. However, the Trust wants to increase the staff team and is actively recruiting at this time; current opportunities are available via NHS Jobs
Nottinghamshire Healthcare also provides primary healthcare, mental healthcare and substance misuse services in HMP Nottingham, HMP Lowdham Grange, HMP Ranby, HMP Lincoln and North Sea Camp and at Morton Hall Immigration Removal Centre. The aim is to provide healthcare that is of at least equal quality to that which is available in the community, to make a positive impact on the lives of prisoners, thereby improving their health, securing their wellbeing and reducing reoffending behaviour.
