Speech of Ann Norman, RCN, UK - 28 February 2008, Brussels
Prison Action Day 28-02-2008 Brussels
UK, RCN, Ann Norman
The RCN is the largest nursing union and professional organisation in the world.
We represent almost 400,000 nurses.
Several thousands work within the Criminal Justice System, police, prisons, courts and services and Immigration centres.
I am saddened to report that UK has highest imprisonment rate in Western Europe.
In England and Wales at least 2/3 of prisons are overcrowded.
Current population in England and Wales is 82,000 and growing 75% higher than 15 years ago (146 prisons “super prisons”).
The RCN is very concerned about the impact of overcrowding upon its members.
Prisons commonly accommodate 2 or 3 or more people in cells designed for 1.
Human dignity is being compromised and this is a priority concern for the RCN.
The UK prisons inspector -Anne Owers- has recently noted in her annual report
that there has been an increase in deaths in prison;
that a reduction of purposeful activity and a reduction of programmes to tackle re-offending has been noted;
that there is increased transportation of prisoners around the country searching for suitable space.
Jack Straw, UK Justice Secretary, this week appealed to magistrates to send fewer people to jail.
Numbers were “already outstripping official forecasts”. He too, voiced concern about regular use of court cells to hold prisoners -a practice sharply criticised by chief inspector of prisons.
Services in private prisons (10 in UK) are no better!
Our members cite:
Poor professional support
Limited access to training
Inadequate response to meeting health needs of prisoners.
The RCN calls for:
Improved working and living conditions for prisoners and staff;
Improvements in health care staff ratios in order to meet the complex health needs of prisoners, in particular: M.H.Drug & alcohol common diseases; long term conditions;
Reduction in over reliance upon agency staff -who is often inexperienced and may compromise security and safety.
Finally the RCN values the activities of EPSU to assist us in raising our concerns and its ongoing support in the future.
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