Action taken on staffsupport in wake ofMagilligan jail death

Jails Minister David Ford said action has been taken to address the inadequate support offered to staff in the wake of his death. The Prison Service and the South Eastern Health Trust, which handles prison health care, have also moved to ensure patients medical records are always requested when transferring prisoners.

Mr Abraham was committed to Maghaberry in February 2008. He was later transferred to Magilligan but didn’t tell staff about his ongoing outpatient reviews. Nor was there evidence his community medical records were requested.

A review of Mr Abraham’s records did, however, show there was regular monitoring of his blood pressure, tests, cholesterol level and reviews for his angina. It was also noted he smoked heavily in jail.

Mrs McCabe raised concerns over “the failure to request Mr Abraham’s community medical records at the time of his committal to Maghaberry Prison, or when he was subsequently transferred to Magilligan Prison; and the inadequate support of staff after Mr Abraham’s death.”

DUP MLA Lord Morrow asked the Minister if these issues had been addressed. He replied: “I can confirm that the Prison Service and the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust (SEHSCT) have addressed the two issues of concern highlighted in the Prisoner Ombudsman’s report.”

Mrs McCabe added: “I have however, identified two issues of concern. Firstly, and of utmost importance, is the necessity to ensure that community records are requested for prisoners at the time of committal so that important decisions made about medical and medication care needs are properly informed.

“I have referred to this many times and I welcome the fact that the South eastern Health and Social care Trust are now fully addressing this matter. Secondly, it is my experience that deaths in custody can be very distressing for staff who have known and cared for prisoners or who have to attend following the death. I have, therefore, emphasised the need for the arrangements in place to provide support for staff are adequately and consistently applied.”