A massively overcrowded prison is failing to address some of the basic healthcare needs of its inmates, inspectors have concluded. HMP Swansea, a category B prison, currently holds 360 men but has a baseline capacity of 255.
A report by Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW) found that some prisoners were left in pain for months waiting for basic dental surgery like a root canal treatment. Swansea Bay University Health Board, which is in charge of healthcare at the facility, also failed to provide optometry services for almost two years which impacted on residents' health and wellbeing.
A survey completed by prisoners discovered that more than half found it difficult to access GP services, except for substance misuse. One prisoner said it took "weeks" for them to see a doctor.
