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10 August 2017

PRT comment: older prisoners in Scotland

Commenting on the HM Chief Inspector of Prisons for Scotland’s thematic inspection on older prisoners, Peter Dawson, Director of the Prison Reform Trust, said:

“This report highlights the challenges of providing effective care and a constructive regime for an increasingly elderly and frail prison population. It is a challenge which the Scottish prison service cannot meet on its own. Prison staff should not be expected to do the jobs of nurses and care providers. A comprehensive strategy is needed to ensure health, social care and criminal justice agencies work together to meet the needs of the increasing numbers of people growing old behind bars.”

Commenting on the HM Chief Inspector of Prisons for Scotland’s thematic inspection on older prisoners, Peter Dawson, Director of the Prison Reform Trust, said:

“This report highlights the challenges of providing effective care and a constructive regime for an increasingly elderly and frail prison population. It is a challenge which the Scottish prison service cannot meet on its own. Prison staff should not be expected to do the jobs of nurses and care providers. A comprehensive strategy is needed to ensure health, social care and criminal justice agencies work together to meet the needs of the increasing numbers of people growing old behind bars.”