An incident at HMP Lincoln where a prison officer mistook a deceased prisoner for sleeping during a welfare check has raised concerns about the standards of care in the prison system. Curtis Cadman, a 50-year-old inmate with a history of substance misuse, was found dead in his cell after the officer failed to recognize the seriousness of the situation. The investigation by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman revealed that the welfare check was inadequate and did not meet the required standards.
The report highlighted that there was a lack of proper response from the staff during the incident. The control room failed to follow the protocol of requesting an ambulance when the code blue was called, leading to a delay in getting medical assistance for Mr. Cadman. The ombudsman, Adrian Usher, expressed disappointment over the handling of the situation and emphasized the importance of staff awareness and training in dealing with medical emergencies.
During the inquest into Mr. Cadman’s death, it was determined that he passed away due to ischaemic heart disease, exacerbated by his use of prescription medication and illicit drugs like cocaine. The Prison Service spokesperson extended condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Cadman and assured that measures have been put in place to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
This tragic incident sheds light on the challenges faced by prison staff in ensuring the safety and well-being of inmates, especially those with complex medical needs. It serves as a reminder of the importance of proper training, communication, and adherence to protocols in emergency situations within correctional facilities.
Moving forward, it is essential for prisons to review and strengthen their procedures for conducting welfare checks and responding to medical emergencies promptly. By learning from this unfortunate event, steps can be taken to prevent similar tragedies and improve the overall quality of care provided to prisoners in the UK.