This section relates to the provision within prison of medical facilities. For a variety of reasons the doctors within the prison system have for the most part, not got the qualities of the average GP!

The medical system within the prison regime seems to be a very closed and secret establishment; hidden from view it dispenses the most basic of health care I have ever come across. Dental work is only undertaken if you are "inside" for more than a year. The waiting list can be six to nine months. The need for painkillers is probably why half the inmates are on some form of medication or an other. Although as a form of currency tablets are one of the predominant currencies. If you can sleep your time, then it goes faster?

The backup of hospital visits, for the very obviously ill augments the basics. However, after nine at night tell seven in the morning you are relying on the night-watchman to get a duty nurse to look at you, then in phone calls to the doctor he or she will make a judgement on your need for medical/ hospital treatment.

Nothing is worse than being ill "inside", the one saving grace is the other prisoners have a moral code, which means you will get help and support. The prison officers are always available, but you get the feeling it is to prevent the extra paperwork rather than any concern for your wellbeing!

You will find the prison nurses firm but confident and the ability of most seems to be very good. The Doctors are so entrenched within their view of all prisoners as malingers that it shines through like a star going nova. The other problem concerns not the professional judgements made by the doctor, although some I have witnessed could be classed as disgraceful, but the ability to speak English adequately, it would appear that the actual exams they take may not include the use of basic English.

By virtue of the fact that you are in prison, it means many of the inmates are into drugs. Keep well away from anyone you suspect of being into them, if found in possession of kit like that you will be given extra time, your licence conditions may include courses or you can be taken to court again. Even having paracetamol tablets if you were not prescribed them personally is classed as bad news!