Health promoting prisons: an overview and critique of the concept

The notion that prisons should become more ‘health promoting’ is a policy agenda that is gaining increasing momentum, particularly in England and Wales1 , Scotland2 and across other European nations. The political strides made in this regard have been recognised globally, especially in the United States, where penal health reformers are attempting to replicate successful policy initiatives in Europe3 . Despite the favourable rhetoric, the extent to which the concept of a ‘health promoting prison’ is fully understood and implemented ‘on the ground’ by prison staff and managers in England varies4 . The primary aim of this article, therefore, is to open up and stimulate discussion on the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) concept of a health promoting prison, as the extent to which this idea has been critically considered and debated is minimal. To encourage this wider discussion, the paper has three primary aims. It will first seek to introduce the origins and principles underpinning the health promoting prison; it will then set the health promoting prison within a political context. The paper will go on to explore some drawbacks to the approach, including the underlying conceptual and practical challenges.

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