§ Mr. SoleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will make it his policy to commend the relevant staff of Wormwood Scrubs prison on their decision to invite the environmental health officer to inspect the prison hospital and on the decision to close it pending improvement.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggThe decision to close a temporary in-patient facility at the prison was taken by the principal medical officer on 12 January, following environmental deterioration caused by defective sanitary installations in adjacent areas of the building. An environmental health officer visited the prison later that day at the request of the principal medical officer to see and advise on conditions in the affected accommodation. Both the closure action and the subsequent decision to seek the environmental health officer's advice are fully supported by the director of prison medical services. I gladly endorse his commendation of the principal medical officer for her prompt response to a situation which in her professional judgment had become unacceptable.
§ Mr. SoleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will make funds available to ensure Wormwood Scrubs prison hospital is brought up to the standard necessary to reopen it.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggRepairs have already been made to enable the hospital to reopen for out-patient use and contracts previously let for refurbishment at the prison incorporate upgrading of the hospital. The proposed longer-term redevelopment of Wormwood Scrubs includes the construction of a new hospital.