Inmates Receive Thousands in Dental Compensation
Inmates at Wakefield Prison have been awarded thousands of pounds in compensation, after claiming that they received poor standards of dental care.
A group of prisoners at the UK’s largest maximum-security jail were awarded a total of £47,000, plus legal costs of £300,000, after claiming that they received sub-standard dental care while in prison. The 24 inmates reached an out of court settlement with the NHS.
Representatives from Wakefield District NHS Primary Care Trust said that they had inherited lengthy waiting lists when they took over responsibility for the prison in 2005. The chief operating officer, Gill Galdins, said that the trust had experienced problems recruiting for vacant dental posts and therefore caring for the complex needs of prisoners was very difficult. She added that significant improvements have been made to make the system more effective and confirmed that the trust is working hard to ensure that inmates receive the same level of care as other NHS patients.
Gill Galdins said that the settlement costs per patient were low but the solicitors’ fees were disproportionately high. The case is not unique and Ms Galdins stated that anyone who has experienced a breach of care is entitled to take legal action and claim compensation.
Join this Discussion
