Specialist women’s clinic for Limerick Prison

WOMEN in custody in Limerick Prison will now get access to gynaecological and other health services.

New specialist health services in the new women’s unit in Limerick means a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist will be available every two weeks for those in custody to avail of.

The provision of such services will also provide an opportunity to promote women’s health issues, provide education for women who may require such services, and support women in living healthier lives on leaving custody, according to an Irish Prison spokesperson.

“This [clinic] will provide the women in custody with an equivalent level of access to women’s health services similar to those that are available in the community,” a spokesperson said.

“The prevalence of detection of a requirement for further investigation and/or treatment amongst women in custody is approximately 1.5/2 times higher for women in custody than women in the general community population.

Tractor course to help save lives at Limerick mart

“One specialist women’s health clinic will be facilitated every two weeks and referrals as clinically indicated will be made to secondary care on an as required basis,” they concluded.

The new clinic for women’s health is part of the redevelopment of Limerick Prison, which has a new accommodation block for male prisoners and a new standalone female prison.

The new female prison means there is capacity for an additional 22 inmates, while a total of 90 new spaces for men have been incorporated.

During a previous visit to Limerick Prison, Justice Minister Helen McEntee said: “It is important that our prisons cater for the specific needs of women.”

While bed capacity was 28 in the previous female wing in Limerick, it was regularly overcrowded, with 45 inmates being recorded on July 31, which is a 161% over-capacity. A further 26 were on temporary release.

Dr Mary McCaffrey has been engaged to take on the role by the Irish Prison Service. Dr McCaffrey has been a consultant at Kerry General Hospital since 1998.