Addressing health inequalities for mothers and babies in prison: findings from a consultation exercise

This chapter focuses on findings of a small consultation exercise with health professionals providing services to a very small but very vulnerable group - mothers and their babies in prison. Many people have strong views regarding the appropriateness of this provision. However where it is unavoidable residence in a Mother and Baby Unit can provide an opportunity for improving the health and wellbeing of mothers and babies who would not normally access conventional health services outside of prison and who may be motivated to make changes in their lives for the sake of their of their babies wellbeing. Health and prison staff delivering services in this sector are very committed and enthusiastic in ensuring this often disadvantaged group and their children gain the highest standards of care possible. This chapter outlines that although this is a small cohort, the positive impact of a high standard of care received at this important stage may be disproportionally large, potentially averting significant resources having to be spent in later stages in the life-cycle resulting from ill health, delayed development, family disruption and further criminal justice expenditure.