By Richard Smith

From the Introduction: In 1774 an Act was passed "for preserving the health of prisoners in gaol," and under that Act local justices were obliged "to appoint an experienced surgeon or apothecary". The surgeon or apothecary was required to be resident and have no practice outside the prison. Thus began the Prison Medical Service, started largely to prevent typhus spreading from the prisons to surrounding communities. Since then the Service has expanded and specialised. It now attempts to provide a comprehensive health service for all prisoners, a rapid medical reporting service to courts, and a good deal of psychiatric help, including a specialised pychiatric prison at Grendon. The Prison Medical Service has, however, been subject to much criticism and, indeed, abuse, especially in recent years.

London. British Medical Journal. 1984. 184p. Book contains mark-up.