Offenders is a term which encompasses a diverse group of individuals: prisoners, community based offenders and young offenders (under 18 years). They are recognised to be at a higher risk of physical illness, mental illness and substance misuse than the general population. Key challenges to improving the health of offenders is the heterogeneous nature of the offender population.
There are three prisons in Nottinghamshire – Ranby, Whatton and Lowdham Grange plus one in Nottingham City. The population averages 3,800 per year. Healthcare is commissioned by NHS England.
Offending behaviour is damaging for not just offenders and their victims, but also their families and the wider community. Improving the health of offenders reduces the chance of their re-offending, which in turn reduces the future impact on both victims and the families of offenders.