OTHER ISSUES prisons, new inmates who did not show any symptoms were initially given the opportunity to mix directly with other inmates. These differing routines were explained by the management of the Prison and Probation Service by the fact that the prisons have different practical preconditions for separating groups of inmates from each other. In the questionnaire that the Parliamentary Ombudsman conducted of inmates, it emerged that when new inmates were given the opportunity to associate with other inmates, this created concern among existing inmates. There were also views expressed that such an arrangement counteracted the possible gains achieved with the decision to cancel virtually all leave. From Parliamentary Ombudsman Katarina Påhlsson’s statement, it appears that, in view of the devastating consequences the spread of Covid-19 can have in a remand prison or prison, the measure of separating new inmates from other inmates for a certain period of time seemed reasonable. 7.2 Access to healthcare in prisons and remand prisons An inmate in need of healthcare must be examined by a doctor. A doctor must also be called upon an inmate’s request and where it is not obvious that an examination is not required.4 Furthermore, an inmate in a remand prison or prison who requires healthcare must be treated in accordance with the instructions given by a doctor. If an inmate cannot be examined or treated in an appropriate manner in a remand prison or prison, regular public medical care must be sought. If necessary, an inmate is to be transferred to a hospital.5 Each remand prison and 4 Chapter 5, Section 1 of the Remand Prisons Act. 5 Chapter 9, Section 1 first paragraph of the Prisons Act and Chapter 5, Section 1 of the Remand Prisons Act. 7 prison is to have access to a certified doctor and staff with appropriate medical training.6 In the questionnaire distributed by the Parliamentary Ombudsman to inmates, details emerged that the spread of Covid-19 had had a negative impact on their access to healthcare. Nine inmates at Kronoberg prison stated that, due to the pandemic, they were only allowed to see healthcare professionals for matters related to Covid-19. This was, however, rejected by staff during the inspection of the prison. An inmate in the prison provided the following description in the questionnaire: “I had symptoms and fever and was ill for two weeks. I did not receive any medical care. They said there is no help, just lie in your room. The staff said that even if you would be ill in the community, the hospitals do not accept you. Now after three weeks I have gotten better. But still [I] have not seen the nurse. Got a note that due to the spread of infection, health care is not seeing anyone.” An inmate at Hall prison described the situation as follows: “They said, ‘If you get sick, we’ll lock you in the room. You will not be sent to hospital unless we think you are going to die.’ Strange considering the guards lack the medical knowledge to make that assessment.” At the end of March 2020, the Prison and Probation Service’s regions produced routine documents entitled “Changed healthcare procedures related to Covid-19.” 6 Section 25 of the Prisons Ordinance (2010:2010 ) and Section 15 of the Remand Prisons Ordinance (2010:2011). – 55 –