PRISONERS at HMP Berwyn had to wait an average of six weeks to see a doctor and a whole year to see a dentist during the covid-19 pandemic, according to a report.

The annual report of the Independent Monitoring Board at the prison was released on Tuesday.

It covers from the beginning of March 2020 up to the end of February this year.

The document states Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board continues to deliver the healthcare services at the jail.

During the year covered by the report, the IMB received 150 applications regarding health concerns, compared with 57 the previous year.

The report explains: " It is the opinion of the Board that the level of healthcare is generally equal to that delivered to the public.

"Within the establishment, staffing levels consist of two general practitioners (GPs) and one dentist.

"A second dentist was employed towards the end of the reporting year, at the expense of one less dental hygienist.

"The Board notes that the average waiting times are around six weeks to see a GP and 12 months to see a dentist.

"This has been a community concern, but the board and Governor continue to be concerned about the wait times for dental care."

During the reporting period, 51,415 healthcare appointments were attended.

A total of 1,828 appointment slots were wasted with ‘did not attend’ recorded as the reason and 1,891 appointment slots were wasted with ‘could not attend’ recorded as the reason.

"The total percentage of non-attendance is 7.2 per cent and the board continues to be concerned about the impact non-attendance has on wait times and the wellbeing of the men," the report adds.

According to the board, the prison's "medicines optimisation strategy" sees all men are triaged at reception with their medical conditions reviewed and repeat medication 'optimised where clinically relevant.'

The result of this strategy has led to men "feeling distressed without medicine they were previously used to; forced into detox; confusion as to why they can no longer have these medications and an increase in complaints."

Under areas for development, the report states: “The Board notes the lengthy wait time for dental care and improvements to the service provision to reduce this would be in the interest of the men.”

Dr Chris Stockport, executive director of primary and community care at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said: “We are working in partnership with Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) to improve access to Health and Wellbeing services at HMP Berwyn.”