Written question asked by Lord Chadlington (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Baroness Ashton of Upholland (Labour) on Tuesday, 12 June 2007.

Prisoners: Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Question: asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether men and women who are committed to prison undergo a medical examination; and, if so, whether this examination ascertains whether they carry a sexually transmitted disease, in particular HIV.

Answer: All prisoners undergo health reception screenings on entry into prison. This is a detailed questionnaire completed by healthcare staff interviewing the prisoner. It is designed to identify any long-term medical conditions, any use of prescribed medication, any history of alcohol or substance dependence, any mental health problems and any symptoms requiring urgent medical attention or indicating a need for review by a medical doctor. Health reception screenings do not include a screen for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or a blood test for HIV infection. Tests for STIs or HIV can be offered to prisoners following a risk assessment by a doctor, or other appropriately trained member of the healthcare team, if a prisoner presents with signs or symptoms of such infections or describes risk behaviour which may have exposed him or her to such infections. Prisoners are also able to request a screen for STIs or HIV if they believe that they may have been exposed to infection.

Secondary information