What I learned this week (29/01/2026)

Starting with this weeks class, within the new semester of year 2, I was provided a brief that would be shared with my year group as well as masters students. The client discussed that her job role is within the southeastern trust, particularly within dentistry and health care services.

Entering Prison

• Three prison sites in NI, every male over 21 goes to mcgavery (Biggest) holds 500-600 people, mcgilligan holds 500 people and hide bank holds all the women and young men (150 young men and 8- to 100 women).
• The different needs for men, women and age groups.
• Didn’t take time to question the men or women what it was like coming into custody
• Medication and Communication People may come into custody whilst on some form of medication, drug misuses, pain, mental, physical, etc. Nurses would provide medication on entry but a very small and limited amount. (Slow assigning medication)
• Over 60% of men interviewed claimed they didn’t know how to access basic health care, such as GP, emergency services, dentistry, etc. They are being told the hows, upon entry but very rarely how to operate basic equipment and needs on discharge.
• Ash HIM (Health Information Mentor) mentors were introduced into prisons, such as McGavery. People within prisons themselves, meeting new comers. They help inform how prison actually operates, the best way everything operates and help others such as, how one can get medication, how to access phones, etc.
• “What would a welcome look like”

Leaving Prison

• Leaving prison, similar than entering. Immediate on the street, Little to no connections, don’t really have anywhere to stay, can be really difficult to get themselves back into communities and society smoothly, and comfortably.
• Prison and inmates always run on schedules, food, clothes and equipment are always provided by another person, people may get used to that.
• Planned easier to unplanned which can be chaotic