Health in Prison
IPRT believes that responsibility for the provision of healthcare should be transferred from the IPS to the HSE. In addition to this, IPRT believes that those with mental illness should be diverted away from the criminal justice system and should be treated within a community setting, where possible.
This section includes posts on health in prison, including mental health and drug policy.
Learning Lessons Bulletin: The Experience of Prisoners with Dementia (Eng and Wales)
5th September 2016
The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman of England and Wales, Nigel Newcomen, launched his latest 'Learning Lessons Bulletin'offering a host of recommendations regarding dealing with prisoners suffering from dementia
Launch: Monitoring of HIV, TB and HCV in prison in Ireland (report)
23rd June 2016
IPRT launched a new report on ‘Improving Prison Conditions by Strengthening the Monitoring of HIV, HCV, TB and Harm Reduction in Ireland’ on Thursday 23rd June 2016 in the Wood Quay Venue, Dublin 8.
UK: The Cost of Prison Suicide
3rd March 2016
The emotional costs of a prison suicide are profound, and can be devastating for all those involved. However, in this though-provoking research brief the Howard League for Penal Reform take a look at the likely economic impacts of a prison suicide and suggest that investing in suicide prevention in prisons, as well as being key to promoting mental well-being among prisoners, will likely produce significant economic benefits too.
Harm Reduction International: New Report and Monitoring Tool
10th February 2016
New Report and Monitoring Tool: HIV, HCV, TB and Harm Reduction in Prisons
Invitation to Tender: Strengthening Infectious Disease Monitoring
27th March 2015
IPRT is currently inviting tenders for a research project on 'Improving Prison Conditions by Strengthening Infectious Disease Monitoring'.
NACDA release study on drug use and access to drug treatment/support services within Irish prisons.
10th April 2014
Today the NACSA released a study on the prevalence of drug use within Irish prisons. The study aimed to determine the need for drug treatment and harm reduction services in Irish prisons by estimating the prevalence of drug use, including intravenous drug use and blood-borne viruses, amongst the prisoner population.
Mental Health Foundation: 'Losing Track of Time' - report on the challenge of dementia in the ageing male prisoner population
18th October 2013
This Mental Health Foundation report explores the difficult challenge of dementia among older male prisoners.
'The Prison Trap': Irish Times series on prison and mental health
17th September 2013
'The Irish Times' investigates how people with mental illness come into contact with the criminal justice system, tracing the cycle of criminalisation and undiagnosed mental health problems.
New Sourcebook on Solitary Confinement released
28th May 2013
A new sourcebook on Solitary Confinement aims to encourage policy makers and prison managers to limit the use of solitary confinement to a measure of last resort
Prisons and Probation Ombudsman for England and Wales report examines end of life care for prisoners
3rd April 2013
Published on 7th March 2013 the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman report reviews the response of the Prison Service in England and Wales to a growing population of elderly prisoners.
