CIRC 002: NASAL NALOXONE

It has been brought to the attention of the NEC that HMPPS are now advertising for volunteers to carry Naloxone. Please be reminded of the following advice which I issued in my National Chair update in October 2023;

 

HMPPS have informed the POA that they intend to roll out Nasal Naloxone in prisons and will seek ‘volunteers’ to carry it. The NEC are opposed to these proposals due to the fact that staff will need to be trained in an additional skill but will receive no renumeration for supplying the business with what they see as an essential need. It is our view that only fully qualified clinical staff should administer any type of medication to prisoners. 

All POA members are encouraged to consider if they wish to volunteer for an additional task, which carries career threatening risks, for no additional reward.

If POA members continue to volunteer for a multitude of tasks that attract zero renumeration the less likely it is that the NEC could convince the Pay Review Body to include an additional payment for additional skills. 

If you volunteer for an additional skill the NEC will be unable to improve your terms and conditions.

 

Yours sincerely

MARK FAIRHURST

National Chair