The basics
An overview of healthcare in prisons from HM Prisons and Probation Service
About this guide
Prisoners are entitled to healthcare of an equivalent standard to that provided in the wider community. This means that people in prison can expect to receive the same quality of care they or their families would receive at home.
This guide offers step-by-step advice for those supporting someone in prison living with physical or mental health issues. It has been created by families with firsthand experience supporting their loved ones, providing practical insights and compassionate guidance.
You can find information on:
- What to expect
- Who to contact
- How to communicate effectively
- Templates and resources
- Common challenges and top tips
Advice and information
What should I do?
Find out which door to knock on if your loved one needs help
Make yourself heard
How to communicate with prisons and healthcare teams
Our top tips
Advice from families who have supported their own loved ones in prison
Templates and resources
Help with working out what to say
Common challenges and experiences
Issues that often come up for families
Useful links
More resources and information
Improving prison healthcare
If you have a loved one in prison with health problems in London or the South-East, we want to hear from you.
Pact is piloting a new service with the NHS, offering families the chance to shape how prison healthcare services are delivered and developed.
This service is available in London (HMP Belmarsh, HMP Brixton, HMP YOI Feltham, HMP YOI Isis, HMP Pentonville, HMP Thameside, HMP Wandsworth and HMP Wormwood Scrubs) and also in the South-East (HMP Aylesbury, HMP Downview, HMP Elmlea and HMP Huntercombe).