Clinicians at a prison

Tracie Ellis: Head of Healthcare, HMP Oakwood

For those with a nagging feeling that their first profession is not their forever career, Tracie Ellis’ story is a true inspiration – and now she leads the healthcare team at one of the UK’s largest and busiest prisons.

For those with a nagging feeling that their first profession is not their forever career, Tracie Ellis’ story is a true inspiration – and now she is head of the healthcare team at one of the UK’s largest and busiest prisons.

Headshot of Tracie Ellis
Tracie Ellis

Tracie had spent 20 years working in HR when she was suddenly drawn back to a childhood desire to be a nurse. She explained: “I had had a successful career working in corporate HR for large companies, mainly in the electronic and automotive sectors.

“I had moved into operational roles and I found my love of detail and organisation had paid professional dividends, but something still was unfulfilled. That all changed when I attended a nursing open day.”

Tracie went on to study at Staffordshire University, qualifying as an RGN. As part of her training she spent three months working at a prison, so when a full-time post came up at HMP Brinsford she jumped at it.

She later took two years away from prison healthcare to work in the community, honing her chronic pain management skills. She returned to prison healthcare, this time at HMP Oakwood where she worked as a deputy head of healthcare before taking over the top role.

She said:

“I feel as if all my skills and training have come together, enabling me to develop the team and to  manage the service and our relationship with the prison service and commissioners, all while ensuring our patients get the best possible physical and mental care.

“Professionally, I am positively challenged and I feel as if I am adding to my team and the wellbeing of patients. Practice Plus Group has been very supportive and I hope that, by continuing with my training opportunities, I will be able to progress further. I hope to become a regional manager so that I can ensure best practice is spread throughout our area’s prisons for the good of patients and the wonderful people who support them.”

Current vacancies

Job title Location Contract type Schedule type Closing date
General Practitioner HMP Altcourse Prison Healthcare Permanent 15 Jul 2025
Business & Admin Manager HMP Kirkham Prison Healthcare Permanent 14 Jul 2025
Triage Nurse HMP Brixton Prison Healthcare Permanent 14 Jul 2025
Substance Misuse Nurse – Non – Medical Prescriber HMP Brixton Prison Healthcare Permanent 14 Jul 2025
Mental Health Clinical Lead HMP Foston Hall Prison Healthcare Permanent 14 Jul 2025
Health Navigator – 2 year FTC HMP Winchester Prison Healthcare Fixed Term 14 Jul 2025
Senior Primary Care Nurse HMP The Mount Prison Healthcare Permanent 14 Jul 2025
Senior Pharmacy Technician HMP The Mount Prison Healthcare Permanent 14 Jul 2025
Senior Mental Health Nurse HMP Lewes Prison Healthcare Permanent 14 Jul 2025
Night Senior Mental Health Nurse HMP Lewes Prison Healthcare Permanent 14 Jul 2025
Pharmacy Technician HMP Lewes Prison Healthcare Permanent 14 Jul 2025
Senior Substance Misuse Nurse HMP Winchester Prison Healthcare Permanent 14 Jul 2025
Pharmacy Technician Thames Valley HMP Bullingdon Prison Healthcare Permanent 14 Jul 2025
Registered Nurse Associate HMP Onley Prison Healthcare Permanent 14 Jul 2025
Pharmacy Technician HMP Pentonville Prison Healthcare Permanent 14 Jul 2025
Senior Substance Misuse Nurse West Yorkshire HMP Leeds Prison Healthcare Permanent 14 Jul 2025
Administrator (Part Time) HMP Preston Prison Healthcare Permanent 11 Jul 2025
Healthcare Assistant (Bank) HMP Garth Prison Healthcare Casual/Bank 11 Jul 2025
Healthcare Support Worker HMP Garth Prison Healthcare Permanent 11 Jul 2025
Healthcare Assistant (Substance Misuse) HMP Wymott Prison Healthcare Permanent 11 Jul 2025

News and blogs

You’ll find a wealth of information in our knowledge hub.