Archived: HMP Thameside

During our inspection we found that patients did not feel involved in decision making about their care and treatment. There was also evidence that there was a lack of mechanisms for effectively capturing feedback from patients. Information was given to patients on arrival regarding the services available although this distribution was sometimes inconsistent. Our observations and patients feedback regarding privacy and dignity was variable. We found evidence that clinical decisions were made with little or no communication with the patient themselves. Medical notes were not always clear or appropriate.

Patients we spoke with were generally negative about healthcare services. We found that treatment was timely and waiting lists were at acceptable levels. Patients were able to access a wide range of clinics and medical input.

Medication was handled and managed appropriately, although there was some issues regarding medicine administration and confidentiality. We also noted that some prescribing was led by the demands of the prison regime as opposed to medical need of the patients who used the service. There were regular medication reviews being carried out.

There were clear clinical governance systems in place and general monitoring was taking place. Information from the audits and monitoring was being used effectively in order to improve the service offered. However, these systems did not always include the user voice to influence development.

The complaints system was efficient but was not being monitored closely. A large amount of complaints were received and the response to these was not always satisfactory. There was some evidence that further investigations were not impartial. The patients did not have faith in the complaint system and felt it did not serve its purpose. The system in place for analysing trends and themes required further development.