There are a wide range of healthcare careers available in the Prison Service.
The role
Because many prisoners have difficulties coming to terms with prison life healthcare work can often prove demanding. However, for those seeking a challenge it is incredibly rewarding.
The majority of the work is primary care but because of the sometimes complex nature of the prisoners' problems it is possible to gain a high level of specialist knowledge in areas such as substance misuse, management of communicable diseases, mental health etc.
In addition to clinical skills, prison healthcare workers are required to draw upon custodial and people skills and seek to establish and maintain positive relationships with prisoners. Working as a team member or individually, healthcare workers will need to be aware of the pressure felt by patients and colleagues.
You'll need to think on your feet, and make quick decisions. It can be a difficult balance, delivering high quality healthcare within a custodial environment, maintaining security and control, and remaining sensitive to the environmental needs of prisoners.
However, it provides a unique opportunity to make a real and lasting difference to the lives of men and women prisoners. The role played by healthcare workers often has a far reaching impact on preventing re-offending. Consequently, the work you do also affects the general public, as well as prisoner's friends and families.
Eligibility requirements
If you are interested in a healthcare career in the Prison Service you will need to meet minimum eligibility requirements.
In addition to the above there will be specific requirements for each post on offer, these will be detailed in the job advertisement.
Benefits
Between 2004 and 2006 Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) will assume responsibility for commissioning healthcare services within their prisons. This partnership between the Prison Service and the NHS means that healthcare staff working in prisons will be in a position to benefit from the same development opportunities that exist for staff working in the NHS.
