PPO publish analysis of second wave COVID-19 related deaths

Sue McAllister, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO), has published a Learning Lessons Bulletin analysing investigations into 107 second wave deaths related to COVID-19 from 8 October 2020 and 20 April 2021.

Front cover of bulletin - for decorative purposes only

The PPO investigations highlighted in the bulletin shows “the care and compassion that prisoners and their families and friends have received from prison and healthcare staff”, reported the Ombudsman. “However, we have also found cases where the correct procedures were not followed and where care was not good enough.”

Of the 107 COVID-19 related deaths we investigated in the second wave:

  • 106 were prisoners and 1 was a resident at a probation Approved Premises
  • 104 were men and 3 were women
  • the youngest was 36 years old and the oldest was 98 years old

Based on our findings, the bulletin reports that HMPPS and prison healthcare providers should ensure:

  • all prisoners at high risk of becoming seriously ill if they contract COVID-19 are identified and are given appropriate advice about shielding
  • prisoners at high risk of becoming seriously ill if they contract COVID-19 are formally assessed to check they have the mental capacity to understand the risks of not shielding, and this is recorded
  • prison and healthcare staff are made aware of prisoners who are shielding and/or self-isolating due to COVID-19
  • positive COVID-19 tests are recorded in individuals’ medical records
  • all prisoners with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 are regularly monitored by healthcare staff through clinical observations (including NEWS), and these are recorded
  • all prisoners with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 have an appropriate clinical management plan that reflects their individual needs
  • prisoners suspected of having COVID-19 are given the opportunity for a relative or friend to be notified
  • the risk of staff exposure is considered when prisoners with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 are restrained

Click here to read the bulletin, and click here to read the press release

Click here to read our bulletin exploring COVID-19 related deaths in the first wave