Medway Secure Training Centre Health Needs Assessment 

Task 

Medway Secure Training Centre (STC) opened in 1998 and at the time of this project, held young people up to the age of 18 years. The centre provides accommodation for up to 76 male and female young people who are serving a custodial sentence or who are on remand. In March 2018, health at Medway STC was the only area to receive a status of ‘good’ rather than ‘requires improvement’ during an Ofsted Inspection. This highlighted the fact that health-related issues should not be tackled in isolation but should be combined through a whole-environment approach. This involves considering education and wider justice partners to create a supportive, empowering space for young people to develop.                                              

TONIC were asked by NHS England to conduct a Health Needs Assessment for Medway STC. In addition, TONIC were asked to consider the role of healthcare provision in relation to the plan for Medway STC to be re-opened as the first Secure School in the UK. 

Our Approach 

TONIC interviewed 12 key stakeholders, conducted face-to-face interviews with young people in Medway STC, and received surveys back from 23 young people. TONIC completed a site visit to meet staff and young people and observe the physical healthcare environment. TONIC analysed key local quantitative performance data and compared this to national data, as well as consulting best practice guidance and literature. 

It is important to note, that this Health Needs Assessment was conducted against the backdrop of Medway STC being in the process of being closed. This notably limited the data that was made available to TONIC and limited opportunities to engage directly with young people as part of the process.                            

Outcome 

Through the analysis of the quantitative and qualitative data TONIC identified some strengths of the current system such as, a high quality healthcare environment and a substantial range of activities for young people to engage in. As well, TONIC identified some gaps and unmet needs related to the current system for example there was competition for young people’s time in a busy timetable leading to health appointments being cancelled. TONIC also identified a need to increase access to mental health and self-harm support with a focus on anxiety disorders.  

In addition to this, TONIC presented five key areas for discussion to be considered by commissioners and stakeholders as they take forward the Medway Secure School. These included emphasising the need for an integrated and personalised approach to the delivery of healthcare, education, and the secure regime that places the young person at the centre of care.