The Young Offender Institution Rules 1988

Medical attention

Medical attendance

24.—(1) The medical officer of a young offender institution shall have the care of the health, mental and physical, of the inmates of that institution.

(2) Every request by an inmate to see the medical officer shall be recorded by the officer to whom it is made and promptly passed on to the medical officer.

(3) The medical officer may call another medical practitioner into consultation at his discretion, and shall do so if time permits before performing any serious operation.

Special illnesses and conditions

25.—(1) The medical officer shall report to the governor on the case of any inmate whose health is likely to be injuriously affected by continued detention or any conditions of detention. The governor shall send the report to the Secretary of State without delay, together with his own recommendations.

(2) The medical officer shall pay special attention to any inmate whose mental condition appears to require it, and make any special arrangements which appear necessary for his supervision or care.

(3) The medical officer shall inform the governor if he suspects any inmate of having suicidal intentions, and the inmate shall be placed under special observation.

Notification of illness or death

26.—(1) If an inmate dies, becomes seriously ill, sustains any severe injury or is removed to hospital on account of mental disorder, the governor shall, if he knows his or her address, at once inform the inmate’s spouse or next of kin, and also any person who the inmate may reasonably have asked should be informed.

(2) If an inmate dies, the governor shall give notice immediately to the coroner having jurisdiction, to the board of visitors and to the Secretary of State.