Death in Prison Custody: action plan - updated July 2023

3. Progress on Advisory Points

Advisory Point 1

Owner: SPS and NHS

Progress made: SPS noted that there are no immediate plans to progress this recommendation as it would require further discussion and consideration on capacity to deliver.

Advisory Point 2

Owner: SPS

Progress made: SPS noted that there are no immediate plans to progress this recommendation as it would require a large estates project and significant budget implication which the SPS is not currently resourced to deliver.

Advisory Points 3, 4 and 5

Owner: SPS (to lead) and NHS

Progress made: Please see recommendation 2.4 for an update.

Advisory Point 6

Owner: SPS

Progress made: An 'Options for Support and Tribute' document has been produced for establishment use. Individual establishments engage several options that including memorial services, tributes, letters or cards shared with families. Chaplaincy Team are developing a range of initiatives to provide a strategic approach to loss and grief available for those in SPS care. Development of new SPS processes, guidance and forms for staff relating the news of the serious illness or death of a relative to a person in SPS care, and associated requests for attending hospitals, hospices, care homes and funerals is underway.

Key next actions: The ‘Options for Support and Tribute' paper is attached to the revised DIPLAR guidance rather than a separate protocol. Feedback at DIPLAR meetings confirm that establishments are providing options which have been evidenced in DIPLAR reports.