Fears over work experience for convicts in Lothian hospitals
FURY erupted yesterday over plans to allow convicts to shadow hospital workers as they go about their day-to-day duties.
Health board chiefs have signed up to a work placement scheme in a bid to cut re-offending.
But furious NHS Lothian domestic and catering staff and porters have hit out at a lack of consultation.
Concerns have been raised over who will monitor offenders on the wards, and how convicts will pass Criminal Record Bureau checks faced by all hospital workers.
It is also claimed the scheme, expected to be piloted at Edinburgh’s Western General Hospital, will add to patients’ anxiety as they undergo treatment.
Scottish Tory chief whip John Lamont said: “Staff are right to be concerned if the same checks that apply to everyone else are not applied to offenders.
“It is to be hoped that all necessary checks are carried out to ensure this scheme works.”
Dr Jean Turner, the former executive director of the Scotland Patients Association, said: “I’m sure that members of the general public would be very uncertain about this. For many, hospital is a place of confidentiality and privacy and a plan such as this will no doubt make patients feel very vulnerable and anxious.
“It is only right that people are rehabilitated but the success of this scheme will depend on its management and supervision.”
But union leaders have lent their backing to the plans after receiving assurances that those selected will be “comprehensively vetted” and that only “low-level” criminals will be considered.
We are supportive of the scheme as we feel it is only right to offer people the chance to redeem themselves
Mick McGahey of Unison said: “We understand our members’ concerns but we have been assured that there will be strict regulations as to who can go on such placements, with a robust monitoring plan put in place.
“We are supportive of the scheme as we feel it is only right to offer people the chance to redeem themselves.”
The Scottish Prison Service said that “rigorous risk assessments” would be carried out.
A spokeswoman said: “We are in the process of discussing a range of potential placement opportunities with a number of employers, including NHS Lothian.
“Prior to commencement of any placement, we would undertake rigorous risk assessments both in terms of the work being undertaken and the individual on placement.”
Alan Boyter, NHS Lothian director of human resources and organisational development, said: “We are discussing a range of opportunities for offenders, who are about to be released from prison, being given a work placement within NHS Lothian.
“Public and patient safety will, of course, remain our top priority when considering suitable posts. We have also discussed at length with unions to gain their support
“The project is designed to help tackle social deprivation, improve health and inter-agency working to try and break the cycle of reoffending.”
