CQC highly rates prison services in Lewes

CQC inspectors who carried out an unannounced inspection found the service was meeting all the regulator’s quality standards, and that people spoke highly of the services provided to prisoners by trust staff.

Prison services provided by the trust include a nurse-led service to meet prisoners’ general health needs, an inpatient unit, a specialist mental health team and clinical support to people who misuse substances.

The CQC inspectors’ report stated that “prison staff we spoke with described healthcare staff as ‘brilliant’”.

“People we spoke with generally spoke positively about healthcare services and particularly about the nursing staff and healthcare assistants,” it added.

Inspectors found people were able to get the healthcare they needed, and that there was good evidence of clinical supervision and training.

Staff had the information they needed to plan and provide the right care for people, and that people’s health, safety and welfare were protected, for example, when being treated outside the prison.

Commenting on the CQC’s report, Murray Kidgell, head of nursing and quality at HMP Lewes, said, “This is a testament to the commitment of the nursing and other staff who provide healthcare services at the prison.

“I am proud of the services they deliver and pleased at this recognition.”