HC Deb 06 April 1984 vol 57 cc683-4W
Mr. McTaggart

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the number of psychiatrists attached to the Scottish prison service, indicating the prisons to which they are attached and whether they are full-time employees of the Scottish prison service or visiting psychiatrists on a part-time basis.

Mr. Ancram

There are no full-time psychiatrists employed by the Scottish prison service. Psychiatric services are normally provided for all establishments, on a sessional basis, by practising consultant psychiatrists, under agreement with the appropriate health boards. The number of sessions agreed depends on the nature of the establishment concerned.

Mr. McTaggart

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if prisoners in Scottish prisons are permitted to choose their own doctor or to have access to medical treatment of their own choice; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Ancram

In terms of the Prison (Scotland) Rules 1952, untried prisoners may, in certain circumstances, have access to the doctor of their choice. For convicted prisoners there is no such provision. Their medical care and treatment are the responsibility of the prison medical service, staffed principally by NHS doctors in general practice, which has access whenever required to the full range of NHS specialist services.

Mr. McTaggart

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is satisfied with the medical and psychiatric care available to Scottish prisoners; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Ancram

Yes. The prison medical service is appropriately staffed, mainly on a part-time basis, by NHS doctors in general practice. There are, however, three full-time doctors in the hospital at Barlinnie prison. All prison doctors have full access, as necessary, to all specialist NHS services. Psychiatric care is provided on a regular sessional basis at establishments by NHS consultants. Nursing services are provided by prison staff trained to state enrolled nurse standard. Whenever necessary, transfers to hospitals for treatment are arranged on medical advice.

Mr. McTaggart

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the number of full-time and part-time medical practitioners employed by the Scottish prison service, indicating the prisons to which they are attached.

Mr. Ancram

The information is as follows:

Number
Aberdeen 1 part-time
Barlinnie 3 full-time and 4 part-time
Castle Huntly 1 part-time
Cornton Vale 2 part-time
Dumfries 1 part-time
Dungavel 1 part-time
Edinburgh 1 part-time
Friarton 1 part-time
Glenochil 1 part-time
Inverness 1 part-time
Longriggend 1 part-time
Noranside 1 part-time
Penninghame 1 part-time
Perth 1 part-time
Peterhead 1 part-time
Polmont 1 part-time
Shotts 1 part-time