Prison Nursing

The benefit of having skilled nurses working in prisons has been noted in a recent report from the Chief Inspector of Prisons (Home Office 1998). This report recommended that the organisation of health care in prisons be made the responsibility of the NHS.This is the first book aimed specifically at nurses working in prisons. There is a specific set of skills needed to be a prison nurse. The environment is radically different to other areas of practice and the nurse-patient relationship and its boundaries are of paramount importanceThis book is written by nursing experts in this field and includes chapters on women's health, ethnic and cultural issues, educational demands, the legal and political settings, prison culture, and suicide.

Ann Norman is an experienced registered nurse with a background in community nursing. She joined the Prison Service in 1994 developing nursing services at HMP Winchester. Ann has acquired a wide understanding of the issues that face the nursing team within the prison setting, and this experience is crucial in her current role as Assistant Director of Nursing for the Prison Health Task Force based at the Department of Health in London.

Alan Parrish worked closely with Ann Norman during his time as the Royal College of Nursing Advise for Prison Nursing. He was awarded an OBE in 1999 for services to nursing, and is now retired. He still contributes to nursing through his articles on issues of the day.