Criticism of the Swedish Prison and Probation Service, Gothenburg Remand Prison, for shortcomings in dealing with a pregnant inmate and inadequate documentation

Summary of the decision: A pregnant inmate missed several appointments at an antenatal clinic. On one occasion, the Swedish Prison and Probation Service’s documentation was so inadequate that it was impossible to determine the reason for this. On another occasion, the agency appears to have completely overlooked the appointment. On one particular night, the inmate called the control room and informed the duty officer that she was bleeding heavily and leaking amniotic fluid. The duty officer decided that she could wait until healthcare staff were on site, which was not until several hours later. There is no documentation of the information the duty officer received about the situation nor which factors they took into account when considering the inmate’s need for medical assistance. When she was later transported to hospital, it was confirmed that an emergency Caesarean section was necessary. In an earlier decision, she had been notified that her mother-in-law would be permitted to attend the birth; however, the Swedish Prison and Probation Service made no effort to contact the mother-in-law when it became apparent that an emergency Caesarean section was to be performed.

In his decision, the Parliamentary Ombudsman underlines the importance of thorough and clear documentation and finds the lack of documentation in this case remarkable. The prison is criticised for this shortcoming. The Parliamentary Ombudsman notes the seriousness of the agency missing a booked appointment at the antenatal clinic, an oversight for which the agency is also criticised.

Moreover, the Parliamentary Ombudsman states that, as a point of departure, a pregnant inmate should clearly be able to feel safe and secure while waiting to give birth, and have the support of a loved-one whenever possible. The Parliamentary Ombudsman is therefore critical of the agency for not making any effort to contact the mother-in-law.