THE FAMILY OF a prisoner who was diagnosed with a brain tumour whilst in prison has raised concerns regarding his treatment after he died less than two months after his release.

The prisoner was serving time in HMP Maghaberry in Antrim, his family want his name to remain anonymous due to privacy issues.

A Prisoner Ombudsman’s report found that Prison Healthcare missed opportunities to diagnose his condition and criticised a lack of care plans which ultimately led to him being admitted to hospital with severe dehydration and malnutrition.

Madden and Finucane Solicitors represented the prisoner and previously secured his release. Solicitor Katie McAllister said,

The Prisoner Ombudsman’s report in this case makes concerning reading. It is clear that our client suffered due to a lack of communication and co-ordinated approach between the Northern Ireland Prison Service and the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust, who now provides healthcare to all prisoners in Northern Ireland.

“Unfortunately, we regularly see such issues arise and it is clear that the current prison healthcare system is grossly substandard. The outcome in this case was the untimely and tragic death of a young man.”

The prisoner’s father said, “Our family welcomes the findings of the Prisoner Ombudsman Report and we hope that the authorities can learn from the mistakes made in my son’s case in order to prevent another family having to go through a similar ordeal.”

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