There are some fascinating new bits of data in the latest annual report of the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman.
The report reveals that increasing numbers of people are growing old and dying of natural causes in prison. In June 2011, there were 9,000 prisoners aged over 50 across England and Wales, 10.5% of the population. Prisoners aged 60 and over are now the fastest growing age group in the prison estate with their numbers rising 128% between 2000 and 2010.
The report highlights how the sector is beginning to adapt to an ageing society. It claims for example that “palliative care provision has improved and some prisons now have specific palliative care suites to manage the needs of prisoners who are dying”.
The annual report also flags the increasing use of other prisoners to support the care needs of older prisoners with complicated needs. But the Ombudsman flags the need for proper training and support, highlighting the case study below.
Mr X volunteered to act as a carer for an elderly prisoner with complex medical needs. He had cared for his parents in ill health, but had no formal experience or healthcare qualifications. However, he was expected to shower Mr J, and often had to clear up his incontinence, among other difficult duties. He told the investigator that he felt isolated and unsupported by staff. Officers and healthcare staff did not take responsibility for Mr J’s complex and demanding needs. The carer was an excellent source of support for the elderly man, but was left vulnerable himself.
The report also notes that their calls last year for a “formal revision of restraints policy relating to seriously ill prisoners…and enable more prisoners to die with dignity” had not been complied with. They reported that they continue to investigate deaths where “elderly people with limited mobility have been restrained with handcuffs and chains, even when they had been assessed as a low escape risk and a low risk to the public. In some cases, restraints had restricted their access to appropriate healthcare intervention”.
The fact that part of the report is specifically dedicated to older prisoners, highlights increased recognition of our demographic challenges. The prison sector seems to have made good progress as the older population has grown. But the growth we have seen in the number of older prisoners is a trend which will continue. Will the sector continue to cope, let alone improve?
David Sinclair
Prisons and Probation Ombudsman Press Release: http://www.ppo.gov.uk/docs/PPO_annual_report_content_web_(17).pdf
The report highlights how the sector is beginning to adapt to an ageing society. It claims for example that “palliative care provision has improved and some prisons now have specific palliative care suites to manage the needs of prisoners who are dying”.
The annual report also flags the increasing use of other prisoners to support the care needs of older prisoners with complicated needs. But the Ombudsman flags the need for proper training and support, highlighting the case study below.
Mr X volunteered to act as a carer for an elderly prisoner with complex medical needs. He had cared for his parents in ill health, but had no formal experience or healthcare qualifications. However, he was expected to shower Mr J, and often had to clear up his incontinence, among other difficult duties. He told the investigator that he felt isolated and unsupported by staff. Officers and healthcare staff did not take responsibility for Mr J’s complex and demanding needs. The carer was an excellent source of support for the elderly man, but was left vulnerable himself.
The report also notes that their calls last year for a “formal revision of restraints policy relating to seriously ill prisoners…and enable more prisoners to die with dignity” had not been complied with. They reported that they continue to investigate deaths where “elderly people with limited mobility have been restrained with handcuffs and chains, even when they had been assessed as a low escape risk and a low risk to the public. In some cases, restraints had restricted their access to appropriate healthcare intervention”.
The fact that part of the report is specifically dedicated to older prisoners, highlights increased recognition of our demographic challenges. The prison sector seems to have made good progress as the older population has grown. But the growth we have seen in the number of older prisoners is a trend which will continue. Will the sector continue to cope, let alone improve?
David Sinclair
Prisons and Probation Ombudsman Press Release: http://www.ppo.gov.uk/docs/PPO_annual_report_content_web_(17).pdf
