Damning report highlights failure to transfer terminally ill patient from prison to hospital

The Inspector of Prisons, Patricia Gilhealy, said it represented 'a major failing' by the prison authorities at the Midlands Prison in Portlaoise. Picture: File picture

The State’s prison watchdog has criticised the failure of prison staff to arrange the urgent transfer of a terminally ill prisoner to hospital as directed by a prison doctor.

The Inspector of Prisons, Patricia Gilhealy, said it represented “a major failing” by the prison authorities at the Midlands Prison in Portlaoise.