Nursing staff at Perth Prison are to be transferred under the NHS, in a nationwide move from today.
The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) says the change will ”further enhance” medical treatment given to inmates.
Due to its national perspective, the move will also see the changes take place at Castle Huntly.
Prisoners will still be treated in hospital by the nursing staff. The move means that the staff will be working for NHS Tayside rather than the SPS.
At one time Perth Prison had a hospital on-site but gradually nursing provision has been scaled back over recent years.
A spokesman for the SPS confirmed the move will take place and explained why it is happening.
”This received approval from the Scottish Government some time ago and the planning behind it has taken place over the last four years,” he said.
”It basically means that healthcare for prisoners is being transferred to the NHS. And the element of funding is being transferred as well.
”I think it will be a further enhancement of the healthcare, although the staff presently provide a first-class service.
”Unfortunately, a lot of our prisoners have acute health problems, so this will significantly improve their healthcare.”
He continued: ”This will be rolled out across the whole of Scotland.”
A spokeswoman for NHS Tayside said: ”A local Tayside GP practice the Academy Street Practice in Forfar will take over the provision of medical staffing for prisoners.
”Induction and training for all staff who will be working in Tayside prisons and open estate has already started ready for the November transfer.”
Dr Andrew Russell, medical director for NHS Tayside, added: ”This project has been an exceptional challenge for all the agencies and professions involved and has really shone a light on partnership working.
”The progress which has been made has been significant with everyone playing their part to ensure the transfer is as seamless as possible for everyone involved.
”We are looking forward to welcoming all SPS staff and new staff to NHS Tayside and together we can ensure that we do the best job to look after the healthcare needs of all prisoners.”