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Healthcare – Highland and Islands
148. Healthcare Improvement Scotland and HMICS inspected the Highland and Islands local policing division, which covers NHS Highland, NHS Shetland, NHS Orkney, and NHS Western Isles. The inspection focused on healthcare provision within police custody centres across this division. Our visits included:
- Inverness, Fort William, and Wick custody centres (NHS Highland) – 3 and 4 June 2025
- Stornoway custody centre (NHS Western Isles) – 10 June 2025
- Lerwick custody centre (NHS Shetland) – 12 June 2025
- Kirkwall custody centre (NHS Orkney) – 17 June 2025
149. This section provides an overview of current healthcare provision highlighting areas of good practice and recommendations for improvement to support high-quality, consistent care for detainees. The inspection was carried out using the joint HIS and HMICS framework to inspect, which adopts a human rights-based approach and includes person-centred indicators. All components of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT) are reflected in our methodology.
How we carried out the inspection
150. Each health board was asked to complete a self-evaluation and submit key evidence to inform planning. We offered pre-inspection teleconferences with healthcare staff to outline the process. During onsite inspections, HIS inspectors spoke with healthcare and custody staff and reviewed the care environment. Where possible, we also engaged with detainees about their healthcare experience. Inspection teams included HIS inspectors and, for some visits, a pharmacy Subject Matter Expert (SME) who provided specialist input either onsite or virtually. SMEs work under the lead inspector’s direction to ensure their assessment reflects current practice, professional knowledge, and experience.