Updated 5 July 2024
We accompanied His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP) on their independent review of progress and carried out a focused assessment of healthcare services provided by Oxleas Trust at HMP Swaleside. At our last joint inspection with HMIP on 12 December 2023, we found that the quality of healthcare provided by The Trust at this location required improvement. We issued a Requirement Notice in relation to Regulation 17 Good Governance, of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014. The purpose of this focused assessment was to determine if the healthcare services provided by the Trust were meeting the legal requirements of the relevant regulations. At this assessment, we found that good improvements had been made, and the Trust was no longer in breach of the regulations. We do not currently rate services provided in prisons. We highlight good practice and issues that service providers need to improve and take regulatory action as necessary. The assessment was carried out by one Care Quality Commission inspector supported by an inspector from HMIP. Before this assessment, we reviewed a range of information provided by the Trust including the action plan associated with the Requirement Notices. During the assessment, we looked at a range of records, observed clinical activities and spoke with staff and managers. HMP Swaleside is a Category B, long term high-security male prison. The prison is located on the Isle of Sheppy and accommodates up to 1,100 adult male prisoners. The provider is registered with the CQC to provide the following regulated activities at the location: Treatment of disease, disorder or injury and diagnostic and screening procedures. Our last comprehensive inspection was conducted jointly with HM Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP) in December 2023 and published on the HMIP website: https://hmiprisons.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmipris_reports/hmp-swaleside.