medical rights of a prisoner

[mayblack73]

I know at first sight people will think "he is a prisoner, its his own fault" and i ttally understand that, but if anyone could haelp me i would really appreciate it,
My husband was sentenced to 1 year custodial prison sentence for driving whild disqualified and no insurance, he had a medical issue of uvitis and cataracts, before his sentencing he was on medication 6 times a day to keep pressure down behind his eyes and medicine to prevent further damage to his eyes, since being in prison (a week ago)he has recived no medication or treatment resuling in further blindness and pain, i have tryed speaking with the prson but i am getting nowhere fast? can anyone help me please

[boxtops]

Prisons have medical staff and nurses - I don't understand why he's not being seen. The prison health staff should be in touch with your husband's GP so that they can continue to prescribe his medication while he's in prison.

Who have you spoken to at the prison? You could always try asking your GP to ring the prison health officer direct, to see what's going on. Did your husband take medication with him whether he was first detained?

[mayblack73]

the condition that he has is only treatable by 3 specialists around the uk, he did take medication with him but they threw it away, the specialist made an appointment for him to attened an appointment 2 days after he was sentenced as they wanted to see if the steroids had bought the pressure down for them to opererate on his cataracts but the appointment was in Birmingham and he is in wandsworth prison! they didnot transport him to the appointment. i have tryed talking to the prison reception and pals office at the jail but noone will talk to me.

[boxtops]

I would suggest that you need to contact the consultant, pdq, and explain the position, so that he can speak direct to the CMO at Wandsworth Prison. He has the right to continuing medical treatment while he's inside.

I can see why his original meds would be taken away, but he should have been reissued a prescription.

Have a look here http://www.adviceguid...health_in_prisons.pdf

[Mamyalynne]

May, everyone has a right to continued medical care, even in Prison, ask your husbands doctor to contact them or get your MP involved, and quickly.

[Sqad]

\\\the condition that he has is only treatable by 3 specialists around the uk\\

That seems to be a bit "over the top" and steroids in the treatment of uveitis tend to bring on cataracts.

Whether we are getting the right story here, i wouldnt know, but i agree with the two posters above.......he needs reassessing and has that right under law.
The prison service has a doctor who attends on a daily basis and is on call for emergencies.

[tonywiltshire]

All prisoners have certain rights and privileges, which should be set out in standing orders and be available in the prison library.
The same level of medical care as that provided by the NHS should be available for your husband, with some adjustments made for security. If he is not getting this level of treatment I would firstly, as it will be quicker, raise the matter with the prison doctor in the establishment where he is confined. If this is not satisfactory make a complaint to the NHS or talk to the Prisoner’s advice service, I think 020 7253 3323.

[mayblack73]

Thank you for your answers they have been incredibly helpful, as far as his condition 'Sqad',he has cataracts,uvitis which all stemmed from cornea disease 3 years ago, he has had mri and cat scans as professor Murry was amazed for the condition to accelerate the way it did in a 27 year old man with no former eye complaints, my husbands condition has left him with 10% vision over the 3 year period, i have been honest with what i wrote on here as im looking for answers to help, i have nothing to gain by not giving the right story.

[sandyRoe]

Should a man with such poor eyesight be driving?

[bednobs]

hi, the local pct is overall responsible for prison healthcare. You should contact the patient advice and liaison service for the PCT where he is

[mayblack73]

No

[mayblack73]

thankyou bednobs,boxtops &mamyleen, you have been very helpful and supportive.x

[mayblack73]

and tontwiltshire!!

[boxtops]

Bednobs, that is an excellent suggestion. May, this is who you need to contact urgently

http://www.wandsworth...373/health_scrutiny/5 (the first one, Wandsworth PALS)

[EDDIE51]

Prisons have such a huge drug problem that any medication bought in is very 'suspect'
Wands worth is one of the worst and largest prisons in the UK.
Your OH should have been sent to an 'allocation unit' to be assessed as to which prison was to be his permanent 'home' . Possibly Wands worth has such a unit I do not know for sure.
I think you need to contact a speciallist 'prison lawyer' I will do a bit of Googling and get back to you.

[boxtops]

As bednobs says, though, the prison health service is commissioned by the PCT, and the PALS service knows exactly who to contact to try to get things moving for May's husband.

[EDDIE51]

Here get one of these people on the case , do it NOW they operate 24 /7
http://www.qualitysol...rs-lawyers/wandsworth

[boxtops]

At least the first consultation is free of charge, Eddie, on your link - but the PALS people will do it for nothing.

[EDDIE51]

Very useful link here Inside Times the only free newspaper for prisoners and their relatives.
http://www.insidetime.org/
There are lists of prison law specialists and many links to help for families of prisoners. PLEASE get on to a prison law specialist NOW they will be on the case within an hour. This is an emergency your husbands sight is at stake.
Do not try to do it your self I know from expierienc it will not work , the prison lawyers will know exactly who to contact and how to get results.
If all else fails then contact the Chaplin at Wandsworth , they are VERY helpfull and do far more than arrange church servces, they will know how to get help in this situation.

[EDDIE51]

Contact details for Wandsworth including the Chaplaincy .
http://www.insidetime...prison=HMP_WANDSWORTH

[mayblack73]

i cant thank you enough, i will let you know how i get on.xx