Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 173
173
Deferred
Drug-related medical emergencies strain prison staff and reduce purposeful activity, fueling drug demand.
Conclusion
Every drug-related medical emergency in prison, especially when fatal, is a needless tragedy. The significant number of ’code blues’ in some prisons adds to the significant strain already being experienced by staff. This leads to regime restrictions and increased time spent in cells. This, in turn, reduces access to purposeful activity and rehabilitation programmes, creating a self-perpetuating cycle where boredom and lack of purpose contribute to the demand for drugs. (Conclusion, Paragraph 60)
Government response summary AI-generated
The government's response focuses on investments in robust security infrastructure for 2025/26, including CCTV upgrades, perimeter systems, and new Facilities Management contracts. They are also considering enhancing CCTV with AI and analytics, but this does not address the committee's conclusion about medical emergencies impacting purposeful activity and drug demand.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government · verbatim extract
Deferred
Partially accept Staff training in emergency medical responses is a vital part of safeguarding within prisons. MoJ, HMPPS and NHSE will work in partnership to deliver training to ensure all frontline staff are appropriately trained and able to work with health teams at an operational level to respond efficiently to medical emergencies. All new prison officers receive Emergency First Aid training, which includ
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