Committee publication · Correspondence · 28 January 2026 · HC 702
Correspondence to and from Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, dated 8 December
From: Welsh Affairs Committee
Summary
Correspondence between Ruth Jones MP (Chair, Welsh Affairs Committee) and Carol Shillabeer (Chief Executive, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board) regarding healthcare provision to prisoners in Wales. Jones requests detailed information on health needs assessments, benchmarking data, and cross-border data sharing for the committee's inquiry into prisons, probation and rehabilitation. Shillabeer provides comprehensive responses detailing HMP Berwyn's August 2024 health needs assessment findings and data-sharing processes.
Key findings
- HMP Berwyn's August 2024 Health Needs Assessment identified 58% prevalence of mental health conditions, significantly higher than community cohorts, with psychology provision stretched and specialist pathways requiring review.
- Mental health prevalence among prisoners (58%) vastly exceeds general population rates; Hepatitis C (4.9%) and Hepatitis B (2%) positive rates exceed community norms; smoking prevalence is 66%.
- Service planning responses include recruitment drives for Staff Nurses and mental health practitioners, plans for integrated co-occurring substance misuse and mental health provision, and targeted screening campaigns.
- Cross-border health data sharing relies on SystmOne electronic health record system and GP2GP transfers, but faces challenges including variability in advance notification, incomplete data, and limited interoperability with English community services.
- Proposed improvements to data sharing include enhanced real-time protocols for high-risk cohorts, exploration of systems in England, and investment in data recording standards.
Tone
ProceduralTopics
Key actors
Ruth Jones MP, Carol Shillabeer, Welsh Affairs Committee, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Healthcare Inspectorate Wales, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, HMP Berwyn
Notable line
“Mental Health: High prevalence of mental health conditions (58% identified), including anxiety, depression, Post traumatic stress disorder and personality disorders.”
Key Quotes
“Given our shared interest in keeping prisoners in Wales healthy, and as the Chief Executive of your Health Board, I would be grateful if you could address the below queries”
“The most recent Health Needs Assessment (HNA) for HMP Berwyn was completed in August 2024, commissioned by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board”
“The health needs of prisoners at HMP Berwyn are significantly higher and more complex than those of community cohorts”
“Mental Health: Prevalence of mental health issues (including substance misuse) is estimated at 58%, compared to much lower rates in the general population.”
“SystmOne is the primary electronic health record system used across English and Welsh prisons, enabling continuity of care when prisoners transfer.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗