Interim Prisoner Ombudsman publishes report into a Death in Custody
Published on April 28 2025
Mr T died on 30th November 2018 in Altnagelvin Hospital, aged 64. At the time of his death he was in the custody of Magilligan Prison.
The report by the Interim Prisoner Ombudsman makes a number of recommendations to the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust (SEHSCT/Trust) in relation to pathways for managing chest pain, Electrocardiograms and screening for individuals in custody at risk of heart disease. These recommendations have been accepted by the Trust.
Mr T was committed to Maghaberry Prison on 2 October 2013. He was transferred to Magilligan Prison on 4 May 2016. On Friday 30th November 2018 Mr T experienced chest pains and was transferred to Altnagelvin Hospital where he underwent surgery. Staff in the Accident and Emergency Department worked with Mr T, however he unfortunately died at 13:46 on Friday 30 November 2018.
The former Prisoner Ombudsman engaged three specialist independent Clinical Reviewers regarding the level of health care Mr T received. The Interim Prisoner Ombudsman agreed with the opinions of all three Clinical Reviewers regarding the standard of care Mr T received while in the custody of Magilligan Prison and that this was equivalent to that he would have experienced in the community while bearing in mind the custodial setting.
Speaking on the publication of the report into Mr T's death, the Interim Prisoner Ombudsman, Jacqui Durkin, offered her condolences to his family.
“I appreciate how difficult it is to lose a loved one in circumstances like these and I am grateful for their patience while this investigation report was finalised.
“While Mr T underwent surgery and sadly died in Altnagelvin Hospital, there is learning for the Trust on how patients in custody at risk of heart disease are managed and screened. The recommendations in this report will hopefully support the care of others in the future.”
The Interim Ombudsman thanked the Northern Ireland Prison Service, the SEHSCT and others who had contributed to the investigation i to Mr T's death.
At the request of the family, the Interim Prisoner Ombudsman has decided that the name of the deceased is anonymised in this report.
Notes:
This report was at an advanced stage when the former Prisoner Ombudsman, Dr Lesley Carroll, ended her appointment term on 29 February 2024. On 25 March 2024 Jacqui Durkin, Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice in Northern Ireland, was appointed Interim Prisoner Ombudsman while the appointment of a substantive Prisoner Ombudsman is finalised.