Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what training is given to prison officers, in addition to methods of control, in the care and treatment of offenders who suffer from dependence on, and withdrawal from, prescription drugs.

The effects of prescription drugs is outlined in the Prison Officers Entry Level Training (POELT) substance misuse module, which explains how mood, behaviour and the body is affected as a result of taking excessive quantities of them.

Officers are trained in First on Scene where they learn how to react to a situation, assess and manage it to ensure a safe outcome. An officer is not trained or expected to make a medical diagnosis but they have a duty of care to the offender and would need to refer them to a healthcare assistant if they are displaying symptoms of dependence or withdrawal from drugs. An officer is trained to recognise these symptoms and learns the relevant treatment and recovery services which are available to an offender.

The primary care team undertake an initial assessment to determine immediate risk and healthcare needs; including the assessment of any substance misuse needs. Those identified as having a need are referred to substance misuse services for clinical management. This may include prescribed medication for detoxification or maintenance. Various long-term interventions are available to the offender to help them recover such as accredited and non-accredited rehabilitative programmes, structured psychosocial interventions, access to mutual aid groups, and life skills work.

For note, the responsibility for commissioning and provision of health treatment, including substance misuse services, lies with NHS England and NHS Local Health Boards in Wales.