Abstract

Herbert, Dilinie The lived experiences of prisoners and the delivery of healthcare into this population raise important ethical issues. The prison population is made up largely of people who have experienced social and economic disadvantage, and who often have a diagnosed mental health condition. International and national authorities recognise that the health needs of prisoners are complex but that slow progress is being made to reform and improve existing practices. This article will demonstrate that alongside the provision of primary care, healthcare in prisons must also focus on the social and psychological issues and behaviours of prisoners in order to prevent recidivism.