The challenges and rewards of working as a prison GP

This week Emma speaks to Dr Caroline Watson, who is chair of the Royal College of GPs Secure Environments Group and has over a decade of experience working as a GP in prisons in England. Caroline is currently clinical director of Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Trust Secure Services and works as a GP at HMP Bedford.

Caroline explains how she got involved in working in secure environments, what working in these environments entails, and the challenges faced by GPs working in them. She also discusses the complexities of prescribing in prisons, the common health issues seen in prisoners, and the multidisciplinary teams that GPs work alongside.

Caroline shares her insights into the rewarding aspects of working in secure environments and the role of the RCGP Secure Environments Group in championing improved healthcare for people in contact with the criminal justice system – and she offers some practical advice for GPs interested in this career path.

This episode was presented by GPonline editor Emma Bower. It was produced by Czarina Deen.

Useful links

RCGP Secure Environments Group

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