29 March 2022

On Friday, 1 April we sadly say goodbye to staff at the Heathrow Immigration Detention Centre (IRC) who transfer to PPG after the contract was awarded to them following a recent tender process.

CNWL began working at the IRC in 2014 where it has managed Substance Misuse Services, Primary Care, Mental Health and Pharmacy Services.

There has been a tremendous staff Team at the IRC who have faced many challenges.

Despite these the team have worked hard to make a change to the lives of the people that they care for based around the Directorate’s credo of Caring not Judging.

The team have made a number of sustained improvements in how healthcare is offered within the IRC and have persevered in extremely trying circumstances.

This was endorsed by very positive feedback from the CQC that followed an inspection earlier this month.

The CQC acknowledged the challenges faced, but was complimentary about the teams, saying that they were very caring and professional.

Service Director Patrick Gillespie said: “The Health and Justice Services Directorate is sorry to lose such a dedicated, motivated and caring team. Our loss is certainly PPG’s gain. 

“As a staff team they have delivered services in extremely difficult circumstances and CNWL is very proud of the IRC healthcare team and their achievements. We have certainly told PPG what an asset the team will be.”