Decision Report 201406063

Summary

Mr C complained about the decision taken by the prison health centre to stop his medication for nerve pain. He said he was told that the medication had been stopped because he was on methadone. In response to his complaint, the board said the prison health centre decided to stop his prescription because they did not think he needed the medication.

We sought independent medical advice from a GP adviser. She reviewed the evidence available and confirmed that Mr C had a history of past and current drug misuse including using a combination of drugs. She said the prison doctor had a responsibility to ensure they were prescribing medication to Mr C safely and responsibly. Our adviser considered that in view of Mr C's drug misuse (including misusing the medication for nerve pain) and the increased risk of addiction, it was appropriate for the prison doctor to try less harmful, alternative drugs for him. The adviser noted that Mr C had been started on an appropriate alternative medication. She said the actions taken by the prison health centre were consistent with General Medical Council guidance and, in her view, the care and treatment provided to Mr C was reasonable.

In light of the evidence available, we did not uphold Mr C's complaint.