HC Deb 19 January 1989 vol 145 cc274-5W
Mr. Cox

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when a senior member of the prison department last visited each of the London prison hospitals; and on what dates the visits took place; what reports of general conditions within those hospitals were made to his Department; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

The last visits by senior members of the Prison Department to the hospitals of prison service establishments in the London area were as follows:

Establishment Date of visit Officer visiting Whether report made of hospital conditions
Ashford 9 January 1989 Regional Principal Medical Officer No
Brixton 2 December 1988 Regional Principal Medical Officer No
Feltham 28 August 1988 Regional Principal Medical Officer No
Holloway 13 December 1988 Director Prison Medical Services No
Pentonville 6 December 1988 Regional Principal Medical Officer No
Wandsworth 15 July 1988 Regional Principal Medical Officer No
Wormwood Scrubs 13 January 1989 Director Prison Medical Services Yes

The Director of Prison Medical Services, following his visit to the temporary hospital facility at Wormwood Scrubs prison, has reported that he supports a decision by the managing principal medical officer to close the facility in the interests of health and hygiene. Consideration is being given to means of remedying the defects identified. Provision for a fully equipped hospital is included in the urgent redevelopment scheme for this establishment. Building is scheduled to start in two years' time.

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