Menu
22/10/2014
Call For Prisoner Safety To Be Improved
The Northern Ireland Prison Service (NISP) and the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust (SEHSCT) is being urged to improve how they tackle issues of self-harm, suicide, bullying and drug misuse in local prisons.
Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) and the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) have called for the improvements to be made.
The recommendations are included in a joint report on the safety of prisoners published today.
"Serving time in prison can be relatively straightforward for some offenders. But for those prisoners with mental health issues, personality disorders, drug or alcohol addiction or learning difficulties, it can be a time of great vulnerability," said Brendan McGuigan, Chief Inspector of the CJI.
"The safety of prisoners is not just about preventing deaths in custody - it's about ensuring appropriate care and support is provided to protect and support those who are at risk."
"Joint strategies between the NIPS and the SEHSCT should be introduced to address the inter-linked areas of suicide, self-harm, bullying and violence reduction and the availability and access to illegal and prescription drugs," said the Chief Inspector.
(CD/MH)
Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) and the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) have called for the improvements to be made.
The recommendations are included in a joint report on the safety of prisoners published today.
"Serving time in prison can be relatively straightforward for some offenders. But for those prisoners with mental health issues, personality disorders, drug or alcohol addiction or learning difficulties, it can be a time of great vulnerability," said Brendan McGuigan, Chief Inspector of the CJI.
"The safety of prisoners is not just about preventing deaths in custody - it's about ensuring appropriate care and support is provided to protect and support those who are at risk."
"Joint strategies between the NIPS and the SEHSCT should be introduced to address the inter-linked areas of suicide, self-harm, bullying and violence reduction and the availability and access to illegal and prescription drugs," said the Chief Inspector.
(CD/MH)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
31 August 2021
53-Year-Old Dies In Custody At Maghaberry Prison
A 53-year-old has reportedly died in custody at Maghaberry Prison, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has announced. The Department of Justice has reported that the prisoner died on Saturday 28 August, that his next of kin have been informed and that the death was not covid related.
53-Year-Old Dies In Custody At Maghaberry Prison
A 53-year-old has reportedly died in custody at Maghaberry Prison, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has announced. The Department of Justice has reported that the prisoner died on Saturday 28 August, that his next of kin have been informed and that the death was not covid related.
31 August 2018
Man Dies In Maghaberry Prison
A 22-year-old man has died while in custody at Maghaberry Prison, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has reported. The Department of Justice has confirmed that the man died in custody on the morning of Thursday, 30 August. The man's next of kin have been informed. The PSNI, Coroner and Prisoner Ombudsman have been informed about the death.
Man Dies In Maghaberry Prison
A 22-year-old man has died while in custody at Maghaberry Prison, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has reported. The Department of Justice has confirmed that the man died in custody on the morning of Thursday, 30 August. The man's next of kin have been informed. The PSNI, Coroner and Prisoner Ombudsman have been informed about the death.
14 March 2017
Female Prison Officer Injured After Being Attacked At Magahberry Jail
A female prison officer has been injured after being attacked by a male inmate at Maghaberry Prison just outside Lisburn. A sharp weapon is believed to have been used. The officer was taken to hospital to be treated. A Prison Service spokesperson said: "A prison officer has suffered a serious injury following an assault by a prisoner in Maghaberry.
Female Prison Officer Injured After Being Attacked At Magahberry Jail
A female prison officer has been injured after being attacked by a male inmate at Maghaberry Prison just outside Lisburn. A sharp weapon is believed to have been used. The officer was taken to hospital to be treated. A Prison Service spokesperson said: "A prison officer has suffered a serious injury following an assault by a prisoner in Maghaberry.
14 September 2016
Staff At Maghaberry Prison Watched As Prisoner Self-Harmed
Staff at Maghaberry Prison in Lisburn have been criticised after they failed to intervene while a prisoner blinded himself, according to a Prison Ombudsman report. Sean Lynch, 23, was being detained at the prison in June 2014 and inflicted "extreme and shocking" injuries through self-harm over a three day period.
Staff At Maghaberry Prison Watched As Prisoner Self-Harmed
Staff at Maghaberry Prison in Lisburn have been criticised after they failed to intervene while a prisoner blinded himself, according to a Prison Ombudsman report. Sean Lynch, 23, was being detained at the prison in June 2014 and inflicted "extreme and shocking" injuries through self-harm over a three day period.
26 October 2009
Prison Arts Celebrated
Northern Ireland prisoners have won two first prizes and landed more than 29 awards in a prestigious UK-wide competition for prison arts. Artwork from Maghaberry and Hydebank Wood was among 150 original visual pieces on display at the annual Koestler Awards Exhibition which previewed at the Royal Festival Hall in London today.
Prison Arts Celebrated
Northern Ireland prisoners have won two first prizes and landed more than 29 awards in a prestigious UK-wide competition for prison arts. Artwork from Maghaberry and Hydebank Wood was among 150 original visual pieces on display at the annual Koestler Awards Exhibition which previewed at the Royal Festival Hall in London today.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
