Decision Report 201302809

Summary

Mr C, who is a prisoner, complained because he said the prison health centre unreasonably stopped the medication used to treat his opiate addiction. The board explained to Mr C that, after giving him his tablets, he was asked to sit in another room to be observed whilst the tablets dissolved. After a short time, Mr C indicated the tablets had dissolved, although this normally took around five to ten minutes. Because of that, Mr C was searched and he was found to have a piece of cling film in his pocket which had a strong smell of lemon (with which the tablets are flavoured). As a result of this, Mr C was referred to the doctor to have his medication reviewed and it was decided to stop his prescription. He was also offered an alternative, which he accepted.

During our investigation, we took independent advice from one of our medical advisers, who said that the prison doctor's decision was reasonable, given that the health centre suspected that Mr C was not taking the medication appropriately. We also noted that the alternative was suitable. In light of this, we were satisfied the prison health centre's decision to stop Mr C's prescription was reasonable and we did not uphold the complaint.