Benjamin Harrison
19 Jul 2024 · Coroner Patricia Harding · Mid Kent & Medway
A similar concern from this report was raised again 1 time later. See the linked reports.
The coroner's concerns
1. prisoners under influence of substances
“Evidence was given by prison staff that it was not uncommon for prisoners to be under the influence of substances, particularly spice at HMP Rochester”
2. lack of medication possession briefing
“Prison staff did not receive a briefing about prisoners with medication in possession in accordance with PS24/2011”
3. information sharing policy discrepancy
“In evidence there were discrepancies between the policies in place and the understanding of healthcare staff as to what information could be shared with prison staff and when it should be shared”
Linked reports
Closely relatedConfidence 0.85 · high
This report
“(2) Prison staff did not receive a briefing about prisoners with medication in possession in accordance with PS24/2011”
Later report
“(2) Prisoners can have access to certain medication to hold in their possession which could be accessed by other prisoners and there is a lack of national policy, and local policy at HMP Guys Marsh, from a healthcare and prison perspective, around the governance of medication held in possession in the prison estate.”
Responses
2024-0394-Response-from-HMPPS.pdf ↗· HMP Rochester
Stated action · end of the year
“Following evidence heard at the inquest, you have raised concerns about the appropriate monitoring of prisoners suspected to be under the influence of illicit substances during the night state and that prison staff were not sufficiently briefed about prisoners keeping medication in their possession. You have also raised a concern in relation to healthcare staff sharing relevant medical information with prison staff. I note that you have also addressed your report to Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust”
2024-0394-Response-from-Oxleas-NHS-Foundation-Trust.pdf ↗· Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust
Stated action · Autumn 2024
“1. HMPPS colleagues have responsibility for reducing demand and supply of drugs in prisons, and there is a Governor responsible for Drug Strategy at the prison. The Drug Strategy meeting is attended by healthcare and issues including trends of use of drugs such as psychoactive substances 'spice' are explored. Change, Grow, Live (CGL) are subcontracted by Oxleas to provide psychosocial substance misuse and they have a large caseload at HMP Rochester who undertake group and 1:1 work to address”