Working as a prison GP – Dr Obih’s perspective
Dr Obih shares his rewarding experience working as a GP in prison healthcare with Practice Plus Group.
Dr Obih, a General Practitioner (GP) at HMP The Mount, has had a long and fulfilling career in medicine. With years of experience across a range of medical roles, he chose to specialise in working within a secure environment. As he puts it, “It is a challenge truly worth taking.”
Dr Obih shares his reasons for choosing to work with our Health in Justice team:–
Career path
“I graduated from medical school in 1992, and since then, I have been actively practising medicine. In 1999, I made the big move from Nigeria to the UK. I practiced in Obstetrics and Gynaecology until 2005, when I made the decision to become a GP. For about five to six years, I worked as a GP partner, and later, when I moved to the south of England, I ran a GP practice as a single-handed practitioner until 2015. After that I became an independent GP practitioner.
In 2015, I joined HMP The Mount. Practice Plus Group took over the healthcare services at this prison in 2020, and I’ve been working with them ever since, four days a week.
Why prison healthcare?
Prison healthcare allows me to serve a population with diverse and complex healthcare needs. These are individuals who often lacked the support they needed at critical moments in their lives. Being able to provide that care and support is both fulfilling and rewarding.
The multidisciplinary team approach in prison is one of the best parts of this job. Everything is in-house, so I work alongside a skilled team that includes nurses, mental health professionals, and other specialists. This collaborative environment makes the work easier and truly interesting.
Every individual is here because of the challenges they’ve faced in life. In prison, they receive the care and support they may have never had before. It’s rewarding to see them recover and, even express gratitude for the care provided.
Facing challenges
Working in a prison presents unique challenges that require adaptability and understanding. Some patients may display challenging behaviours, often linked to underlying health conditions. However, with the right approach and support, many respond positively to treatment and care, becoming more cooperative and appreciative.
As the sole GP on-site, my role has brought several opportunities for growth and confidence-building. Over time, I’ve developed the skills and resilience to navigate challenging situations and make a meaningful impact on people’s lives. This makes the role incredibly fulfilling.
Balancing work and life
My workday typically runs from 8:30 am to 5 pm, which allows me to maintain a good work-life balance. The structured nature of the role and the support from Practice Plus Group make it easier to focus on delivering high-quality care while ensuring I have personal time to unwind and recharge.
Working with Practice Plus Group
Practice Plus Group has been a supportive employer, offering flexibility and the right assistance whenever needed. Even in more challenging situations, such as attending court to present patients’ reports, they ensure the process runs as smoothly as possible.
In addition to my clinical work, I also have the opportunity of training many independent nurse prescribers and supervising and mentoring advanced nurse practitioners. This aspect of my role adds another layer of satisfaction, allowing me to contribute to the development of the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Join our team
For those who are up for a challenge, prison healthcare offers an incredibly rewarding career. The chance to work alongside a diverse and skilled team while making a real difference in the lives of some of the most vulnerable individuals is something I truly value. It’s a role that has taught me resilience, compassion, and the profound importance of teamwork.”
Life at Practice Plus Group
