Prisoners allege ‘serious medical neglect’ following inmate death

Sixty-five prisoners have signed a petition drawing attention to the failings of the medical services at HMP Edinburgh.

The petition states: “We, the long-term prisoners at Edinburgh Prison, want to express and register our deep concern of what amounts to medical neglect at this prison.”

In May, prisoner James Sneddon, 35, died. The petition claims he was unable to get appropriate treatment for the condition leading to his death.

It states: “On May 6 a prisoner here, James Sneddon, died as a result of liver and heart failure following an illness that he had sought treatment for over a month. The attitude of medical staff here to James Sneddon’s attempts to receive appropriate treatment can only be described as dismissive, and it is an attitude characteristic of medical staff here to prisoners generally who seek help and treatment.”

It adds: “James Sneddon is not the first prisoner to die here in circumstances that raise serious concerns about the behaviour and attitude of medical staff.

“Such is our concern now that we seek by this petition to communicate and highlight those concerns to those in a position to hopefully deal with them in a manner that addresses the problem and issue of serious medical neglect here at HMP Edinburgh.”

Deputy chief inspector of prisons, Jim Farish, said: “A communication, signed by a number of prisoners held in HMP Edinburgh, was received by this office which highlighted concerns about healthcare provision within the establishment.

“We informed the SPS of the receipt of the petition, and have sought and received assurances that the matters raised are being appropriately addressed.”

Professor Alex McMahon, director of strategic planning/REAS and prison healthcare at NHS Lothian, said: “We have responded to prisoners and are taking their concerns seriously. An investigation is currently underway and we will look to take forward any identified actions or recommendations.”