The aim of this inspection, undertaken jointly by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS) and Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS), was to assess the treatment of, and conditions for, individuals detained in the primary police custody centres in Dumfries and Galloway.
This is the third joint custody inspection undertaken by the scrutiny bodies. The report provides a detailed analysis of the provision of healthcare at the custody centres and outlines information relevant to the efficiency and effectiveness of custody centre operations. It makes recommendations for both Police Scotland and the Health and Social Care Partnership responsible for the provision of healthcare at the custody centres.
The report outlines key findings that describe practice that we found during our inspection and makes recommendations that aim to improve custody services and the provision of healthcare in order to achieve better outcomes for people in police custody.
Number | Recommendation |
|---|---|
1 | Police Scotland should ensure that detainee observation facilities at the Dumfries custody centre are moved to an appropriate location within the centre. |
2 | Police Scotland should ensure that sufficient and appropriately sized anti-harm garments are made available to detainees when these are required. |
3 | Dumfries and Galloway HSCP should ensure that healthcare staff working within custody centres are trained in relevant human rights protocols. |
4 | Dumfries and Galloway HSCP must ensure that all adverse events relating to healthcare in police custody are appropriately identified, recorded and managed, and that any learning is implemented. This should include the provision of refresher training for all healthcare staff, including on the use of the Datix system. |
5 | Police Scotland should ensure that custody staff receive appropriate training and guidance where cleaning is part of their role. |
6 | Dumfries and Galloway HSCP must implement control measures to mitigate the increased risk of infection in areas where the condition of the building has deteriorated due to age. |
7 | Dumfries and Galloway HSCP must implement systems and processes to support healthcare staff to report issues for repair and to audit and monitor the environment. |
8 | Dumfries and Galloway HSCP and Police Scotland must ensure the rooms used for clinical examinations are clean and ready for use and maintained at the standard required for forensic examination. |
9 | Dumfries and Galloway HSCP must work together with Police Scotland to ensure emergency equipment is maintained in accordance with manufacturer’s guidelines and ensure that checks are recorded appropriately. |
10 | Dumfries and Galloway HSCP must review the process for storage, dispensing and administration of medicines to support the safety and wellbeing of staff and to ensure patient safety. |
11 | Dumfries and Galloway HSCP must ensure that there are clear processes in place for managing medicines and that healthcare staff use these to safely prescribe, administer, record and store medicines. |
12 | Dumfries and Galloway HSCP must obtain a controlled drugs license to meet its legal obligation in the storing and supply of controlled drugs. |
13 | Police Scotland should ensure that custody staff are provided with appropriate training in relation to the administration of medication and that this is provided and refreshed in accordance with national guidance and best practice. |
14 | Dumfries and Galloway HSCP should ensure that all Forensic Physicians are trained in the administration of Naloxone. |