Bridgend Council to take on care services at HMP Parc prison

Bridgend County Borough Council’s Cabinet have approved the transfer of prisoner care and support to the council following the end of G4S Health Services’ contract at HMP Parc prison.

Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board is due to take over provision of all health services in HMP Parc from December 2022, however the health board is unable to provide domiciliary care.

Bridgend County Borough Council will become the registered domiciliary care provider as part of the agreement.

Existing G4S employed care staff will potentially be transferred to council employment after consultation, which the council say will allow for retention of knowledge and skills.

The provision of care within HMP Parc presents a different way of working for care staff, largely due to the security restrictions that are in place. In consideration of this, it has been recommended that the support team is based permanently within HMP Parc. 

It has also been suggested that a contingency team, readily having enhanced security clearance, should be available to cover in times of planned and unplanned leave, to ensure the smooth operation of social care provision. 

In light of these new conditions, the contractual arrangements between the council and G4S will be reviewed.

Bridgend Council Deputy Leader Jane Gebbie, Cabinet Member for Social Services and Early Help said: “We will embrace the responsibility of delivering a high standard of social care and support to the prisoners at HMP Parc.

“Bridgend County Borough Council is adept at accommodating change and will continue to demonstrate this through the social care provision in this complex and challenging environment.”