A new virtual model of chronic disease care will be rolled out in prisons later this year.
The matter was discussed at a meeting of the health needs assessment steering committee in March. The committee oversees the implementation of recommendations from the Irish Prison Service (IPS) health needs assessment (HNA), which was published in 2023.
According to minutes, committee members noted that the HSE National Service Plan 2026 referenced the creation of a virtual model for delivery of chronic disease care in the prison service. Members were informed that the IPS, the HSE and the Department of Health were currently developing the service.
A Department of Justice, Home Affairs, and Migration spokesperson told the Medical Independent (MI): “The virtual model for delivery of chronic disease care in the IPS will be based on the All-Islands Health Virtual Care Programme. The Programme offers a new service designed to ensure equitable, reliable access to healthcare for residents across Ireland’s 12 offshore islands. The [IPS] project is due to progress in the third quarter of 2026…. It is envisaged that the service will commence in Castlerea prison due to its remote location.”
Separately, the steering committee’s meeting in March also heard that a newly established clinical governance committee will oversee healthcare across prisons nationally.
The Department spokesperson told MI that the committee has met in a planning capacity while awaiting the appointment of an external Chair.
“The terms of reference including membership are being finalised.”
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