NHFT recognised nationally for contribution to Health and Justice services
NHFT's growing influence within the Health and Justice sector was recognised on a national stage when Dr Sunil Lad was invited to present at the Prison Advice and Care Trust (Pact) Health and Justice: Challenges and Opportunities event on 30 June 2026.
The event brought together senior leaders from across healthcare, the justice system and the voluntary sector, including presentations from Professor Sir Chris Whitty and other national experts. Discussions focused on some of the biggest opportunities and challenges facing Health and Justice services, including reducing health inequalities, improving continuity of care, strengthening partnership working and increasing family involvement in healthcare.
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Dr Lad attended as a panel member alongside senior leaders from NHS England, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman and PACT. In his role as NHS England's National Clinical Director for Health and Justice, he shared insight into the challenges and opportunities facing the sector, highlighting innovation and examples of good practice from across Health and Justice services.
The invitation reflects the growing reputation and credibility of NHFT's Health and Justice services, particularly following the successful transfer of healthcare services across seven additional secure sites in Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire in July 2025.
The event also recognised the contribution being made by NHFT's wider Health and Justice team, with Amy Wells, Head of Operational Support for Health and Justice, also invited to attend.
A key theme throughout the event was the need to improve continuity of care between prison and community services. Discussions highlighted how fragmented systems can create barriers for people moving between custody, healthcare settings and community-based support, contributing to poorer health outcomes.
Examples of work being progressed within NHFT and across Health and Justice services that support these priorities include:
- Exploring Family Link Worker models in partnership with NHS England
- Developing telemedicine and digital healthcare solutions to improve access to care
- Improving support for people transitioning from custody back into the community
- Strengthening care for an ageing prison population and people living with long-term conditions
- Exploring innovative approaches for patients with acquired brain injury and complex health needs
- Continuing to build integrated pathways between prison, community and specialist healthcare services.
Another significant focus was the role families and carers can play in improving health outcomes. Discussions highlighted growing recognition of family involvement as an important health intervention and explored opportunities to strengthen co-production and partnership working with families across Health and Justice services.
The event also provided valuable opportunities to strengthen relationships with national stakeholders and reinforced the importance of collaboration between healthcare providers, NHS England, justice partners and voluntary sector organisations in improving outcomes for people in contact with the justice system.
Amy Wells said:
"It was a privilege to attend this event, which bought together some of the leading voices in Health and Justice. The discussions reinforced the importance of partnership working, innovation and ensuring that people in contact with the justice system receive equitable healthcare. It was particularly encouraging to see such a strong focus on family involvement and continuity of care, areas that align closely with the work NHFT is progressing across its prison healthcare services."
Dr Sunil Lad said:
"The event provided an important opportunity to discuss both the challenges and opportunities facing Health and Justice services nationally. Improving outcomes for people in prison requires collaboration across healthcare, justice and the voluntary sector, with a focus on prevention, continuity of care and reducing inequalities. I was pleased to contribute to this important discussion and to highlight the innovative work being developed across the sector."
The positive feedback received at the event further demonstrates NHFT's growing influence within the Health and Justice sector and our commitment to reducing health inequalities and improving care for some of the most vulnerable people in
society.