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RCGP to launch masters degree in prison medicine
Oct 30, 2004 - 3:11:00 PM, Reviewed by: Dr.
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By Ashwin, UK Correspondent,
The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) is launching a university masters programme in prison medicine.
The RCGP made the announcement in Nottingham last week at an award ceremony for six GPs who have passed the Diploma in Prison Medicine.
The Diploma in Prison Medicine, now completed by over 50 doctors working in UK prisons, is run by the University of Nottingham and accredited by the Royal College of General Practitioners, Physicians and Psychiatrists Examination Steering Group which is chaired by Professor Dame Lesley Southgate.
From next year the RCGP is linking up with the University of Lincoln to change the diploma course into a multi-disciplinary Masters course. The new modular-based course, with options for different levels of certification, will draw on the experience and expertise of the London-based RCGP Drugs Misuse Unit.
Dr Nigel Sparrow, vice-chair elect of the RCGP, and associate director of the Trent Deanery, said: �The Diploma in Prison Medicine has been extremely important for prison doctors and GPs working in prisons. We now plan to build on this success with the Masters program. Prison doctors, who have sometimes worked in silos in the past, need our support. And of course, prisoners deserve the same level of care as any other NHS patient.�
Prison Medical Officers currently report to the Home Office, via the prison governor. From April 2005 the NHS will take over responsibility for Prison Medical Services. Many Primary Care Trusts are already working to make this a smooth transition, with GPs providing weekly sessions at local prisons.
- Royal College of General Practitioners
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