Prison Suicide: Healthcare Denied to Four in Ten Before Death

The article discusses a troubling issue in UK prisons. A new report shows neglect in prisoner healthcare. Four in ten inmates who died by suicide lacked proper healthcare before their deaths while in custody. These figures expose neglect within overcrowded British prisons.

Prisoners legally deserve the same healthcare as anyone else. Data from 2020-2023 shows a problem, as the prisons watchdog investigated 233 suicides. In 101 cases, healthcare was inadequate, with mental healthcare often being the issue.

Andy Slaughter stated that they are failing people in custody. Charlie Taylor warned of more preventable deaths and says action is needed to improve standards. Taylor noted people in prisons often lack support, emphasizing the need for timely treatment.

Jason Lee McQuoid’s family called prisoner treatment “medieval”. He begged for help during a psychotic episode but wasn’t seen by mental health staff in the 72 hours before he died. His aunt was devastated by his torment and believed he was forgotten. A jury found failures led to Jason’s death back in October.

Another inquest jury found neglect in Haydar Jefferies’ death. Jefferies took his own life in February 2023, with delays and a lack of care contributing to this tragedy. Jefferies’ mental state declined rapidly upon his return to prison. Staff found him acting strangely before his death but did not get him medical help. A coroner wants a radical change in prison culture with better learning from deaths.

Taylor was disappointed by the watchdog’s findings. Prisons often fail to do the basics to prevent suicide. He mentions special attention for at-risk inmates, including new arrivals and those cut off from family. A review found only 15% needing hospital transfer got it within 28 days. People at risk spent too long in segregation, units that are often unsuitable.

Slaughter says overcrowding worsened prison services and believes prisoners face extra punishment stemming from poor services and bad conditions. Hagmann points out all deserve needed healthcare and questioned why prisons fail their inmates. Neilson says prisoners needing hospital beds are left in squalor. He added that overcrowding strains the prison system, making it unable to help those with intense mental health needs.

A ministry spokesperson said they inherited a crisis. The new Mental Health Bill will end using cells for crises and aims to get people urgent specialist help instead.