Getting it right for a patient in prison with long–term pain

What happened

In early 2014, GPs at the Prison changed Mr F's prescriptions. Mr F was unhappy about the changes and made numerous complaints. Care UK, which provides most of the NHS healthcare at the Prison, responded to the complaints, so did Gables Medical Offender Health Ltd, which provides GP care to the prison. Mr F said that Care UK's responses were evasive. He also said there had been delays in him receiving some of his prescribed painkillers.

What we found

We partly upheld this complaint. The GPs' management of Mr F's medication reflected relevant guidance and established good practice. Their decisions about his medication were consistent with the symptoms they found when they examined him. They made appropriate arrangements to diagnose and treat him.

On two occasions, there were brief delays in giving Mr F his prescribed painkillers. Staff apologised for these delays and took action to resolve the situation. They also took steps to stop the problem from happening again. We found that was a reasonable way to put things right.

Overall, the responses to Mr F's complaints were reasonable. They addressed the concerns he raised and were not evasive.