Telemedicine and GP recruitment explored by prison service

The Irish Prison Service (IPS) is examining the possible development of telemedicine services and the recruitment of more GPs.

The IPS has held a workshop with the HSE to discuss care pathways and other issues related to prisoner health, according to minutes of the health needs assessment steering committee in July.

A Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration spokesperson told the Medical Independent the IPS and the HSE continued to meet to discuss care pathways.

Current discussions centre around possible models of in-reach care and telemedicine appointments that may assist prisoners with chronic conditions.

An evaluation was also being conducted into reducing the number of IPS staff needed to escort prisoners to hospitals for specialist care, including for diabetes, respiratory illnesses, and dialysis.

“Dialysis currently requires hospital attendance but in general terms the IPS is trying to increase [the] level of in-reach services,” said the spokesperson.

“The IPS is currently rolling out a mobile x-ray initiative and have introduced additional in-reach physiotherapy in recent years.”

A new workforce plan for prisons, which would include GP recruitment, was discussed at the steering committee’s meeting in March.

“This is currently being explored and estimated considering population levels within the IPS,” said the spokesperson.

The IPS, which currently has 10 full-time GPs, is generally able to recruit for most prisons. “Certain locations within the prison estate have historically been more challenging to recruit for. For example, it has been a challenge in Castlerea and to some extent the open prisons. The IPS have locum doctors at each of these sites.”