Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 167
167
Deferred
Consistently update prison drug testing methods to detect evolving New Psychoactive Substances.
Conclusion
The MoJ and HMPPS must consistently update prison drug testing methods to enable the detection of the constantly changing chemical makeup of these NPS, including synthetic cannabinoids and synthetic opioids. Robust data collection should be expanded to include drug purity/potency where feasible. (Recommendation, Paragraph 34)
Government Response Summary
The government's response does not address the recommendation to update drug testing methods or expand data collection on NPS purity/potency. Instead, it rejects mandating universal take-home naloxone kits for prisoners, while detailing existing naloxone provisions and training for prison staff.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
NHS Substance Misuse teams already provide patients with take home naloxone kits and training in the use of them at release for patients who are clinically appropriate, and who consent to take it. However, we do not accept the element of this recommendation to mandate a take-home naloxone kit for every individual leaving custody. NHSE do not consider mandating this on a universal basis to be clinically appropriate, and it would not represent good value for public money to provide medications to patients who do not need it. Legislative changes made last year to the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 have expanded the list of services and professionals who can supply take-home naloxone without a prescription in the community, including drug treatment services, community pharmacies, and outreach providers. These changes have meant naloxone can now be accessed more easily by those at risk of opioid overdose, supporting rapid intervention and saving lives. Nasal naloxone is now available for emergency use in suspected opioid overdoses by prison staff who volunteer to carry it. This initiative is available in over 96% of prisons and we will ensure full coverage across the entire estate. Naloxone training is now embedded into foundation training for all new prison officers and over 9,000 prison staff have been trained. To ensure sustainability, each prison designates five volunteer staff members as trainers, responsible for equipping existing staff with the skills to administer nasal naloxone.