Prisoners Forced To Perform 'DIY' Dentistry
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- Published: Monday, 08 February 2021 08:10
- Written by Chris Tapper
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An ex-prisoner has claimed he had to ‘slash’ an abscess and remove a tooth while incarcerated in a Glasgow gaol.
The unnamed prisoner told the Daily Record that he had been forced into performing DIY dentistry because remand inmates at Barlinnie Prison have been able to get dental care. The prisoner claimed he was forced into using the prison’s shower stalls as a makeshift dental surgery.
The recently released prisoner told the Daily Record “This guy was screaming through the night. He wanted it sorted.” He described the procedure. “He had a big abscess on his gums so we got a razor and part of a vape pen. He was held back then somebody cut down the abscess with the razor. The pen was put over the tooth ad pulled out. He was spitting poison and blood.”
The Scottish Prison Service told the Daily Record that all prisoners had the same access to healthcare as the community. A spokesperson "Dental services at Barlinnie have been limited during the pandemic, as they have been across Scotland, due to the need to maintain physical distancing and enhanced infection control measures."
The spokesperson emphasised that essential care continues to be provided for anyone who needs it, adding "This is provided off-site and under escort. All prisoners are supplied with good oral health guidance. Prisoners continue to have access to onsite GP medical services and nursing services, however services have been restricted because of the need to maintain physical distancing. "Care is prioritised according to clinical need."
David McColl, Chair of the British Dental Association’s Scottish Dental Practice Committee told the Daily Record “Ministers must ensure we turn the page on ‘DIY’ dentistry that belongs in the Victorian era. This service faces huge backlogs and tight restrictions, but people in pain should never feel they are without options.”
A spokesperson for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde echoed the statement from the Scottish Prison Service.
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