Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what proportion of court custody facilities have adequate healthcare provision.

All court custody suites in England and Wales have a provision for healthcare within the providers contract. This provision includes immediate medical attention as necessary during the time that a prisoner and/or any accompanying baby is in the Contractor’s custody.

The contracts cover administration of first aid, where required treatment by trained staff, and the emergency attendance of a doctor or other emergency healthcare provider where necessary. There is also provision for examination by a healthcare provider of prisoners on whom force has been used if there is a visible sign of injury or it has been requested. Emergency medical provision is also activated in relation to instances of self-harm. The inclusion of specialist care for pregnant/nursing mothers and prisoners suffering from psychiatric disorders is also included. Contractors also need to verify any medication needs of those received into their custody off bail.