Death could not be prevented - report

Following an independent investigation by Prisoner Ombudsman, Tom McGonigle, it has been concluded that a delay in sending a prisoner to hospital could not have prevented his death.

The Prisoner Ombudsman carried out an investigation of the death of an inmate at Maghaberry, referred to as Mr G.

The man died of natural causes in August last year while in hospital.

The Prison Service had released Mr G two days earlier, in order that he would not die in custody.

The report found this to be a humane and compassionate gesture that benefitted him and his family.

Mr McGonigle said: “While some things could have been done better, it is important that an independent investigation and clinical review conclude there was no possibility to achieve an alternative outcome for Mr G.

“The consultant physician in charge of his care advised that his condition would have been progressing for a number of months. Our clinical reviewer confirmed that a four-day delay in sending him to hospital would not have made any difference to his prognosis.”

The investigation said the man had a late and unexpected diagnosis just a fortnight before his death.

Mr G had a number of pre-existing conditions and had been in pain from mid-July.

A number of recommendations were highlighted as part of the investigation which include providing clear guidelines for prison staff and health workers on the treatment of inmates diagnosed with terminal illnesses.

The Prison Service and the South Eastern health and Social Care Trust has has accepted the recommendations.

The Prison Service said that all the recommendations have already been implemented.

The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust, which provides healthcare in prison, which have been reiterated to their staff and will be considered at a ‘lessons learned’ forum.