Sue McAllister, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO), has published a ‘Learning Lessons Bulletin’ analysing investigations into 26 deaths related to COVID-19 in the early months of the pandemic.
The PPO fatal incident investigations showed the care and compassion prisoners and family members received from prison and healthcare staff, Sue McAllister said. However, she added: “We have also found some cases where responses could be improved.”
The bulletin reports Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) should:
- ensure all staff adhere to infection control measures;
- give appropriate advice about shielding to all prisoners who are clinically vulnerable or clinically extremely vulnerable
- ensure there is an effective communication system to notify staff of prisoners who are shielding and/or self-isolating due to COVID-19
- ensure that prisoners who are displaying possible COVID-19 symptoms are isolated to protect other prisoners and staff
- ensure that staff use the correct PPE, in line with HMPPS policies and PHE guidelines
Click here to read the learning lessons bulletin: COVID-19 PPO Fatal Incident Investigations
Click here to read the full news release
Click here to read our latest learning lessons bulletin: COVID-19 PPO Complaints