Key Findings from the HSSIB Report
A recent investigation by the Health Services Safety Investigations Body (HSSIB) has revealed that inadequate interoperability between digital systems and difficulties with GP registration processes in prisons pose significant risks to patient safety.
Report Overview
The report titled ‘Healthcare provision in prisons’, published on July 24, 2025, examines the sharing of information between prison operational IT systems and healthcare IT systems.
Major Issues Identified
- Prison security and healthcare teams utilize different IT systems that do not automatically share data.
- Critical patient information, such as risk assessments, is often unavailable to clinicians.
- Healthcare staff must duplicate appointment information across both systems, leading to thousands of entries monthly, which increases administrative burdens and the likelihood of errors.
Statements from HSSIB
Dave Frassam, a senior safety investigator at HSSIB, stated:
“Our investigation found significant gaps in digital systems affecting the care of people in prisons. The lack of interoperability is an urgent issue that needs addressing as vital information is being lost.”
Concerns Regarding GP Registration
The report highlights that individuals in prison often find the transfer of registration from their community GP to the prison GP confusing and rushed. Patients reported that they were not always able to make fully informed decisions about their care during the registration process.
Recommendations for Improvement
HSSIB has made several recommendations, including:
- Ensuring that the development of the Digital Prison Services system includes interoperability with healthcare IT systems.
- Incorporating interoperability requirements into NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care’s healthcare IT procurement specifications.
Future Steps
Frassam emphasized the potential benefits of improving processes and streamlining digital systems:
“This could reduce duplication and inefficiency, facilitate smoother transitions for individuals returning to the community, and most importantly, enhance care for patients in prison.”
Response from NHS England
A spokesperson for NHS England mentioned that efforts are underway to enhance support for prisons, including the procurement of an improved clinical IT system that can connect with other operational systems.
For further details, the full report can be accessed through the HSSIB website.