Decision Report 201609648

Summary

Mr C complained about the prison healthcare team's decision to withdraw his suboxone medication (medication used to treat opiate addictions). He also complained that it took an unreasonable amount of time for him to be reviewed by a GP when his prescription was discontinued.

We took independent advice from a medical adviser. Mr C was found to be concealing his medication and so it was stopped. The advice we received was that this decision was reasonable as it was in line with the medication contract that Mr C had signed. We did not uphold this aspect of Mr C's complaint.

Regarding the time taken for Mr C to be reviewed by a GP, we found that Mr C's records were reviewed by a GP within three days and that he subsequently received an appointment. The advice we received was that this wait was not unreasonable. We did not uphold this part of Mr C's complaint.