HMP WORMWOOD SCRUBS

FROM ESTATE HAND TO HOSPITAL PRISON OFFICER TO GOVERNOR - 1960 TO 1997 MY TIME ON THIS SIDE OF THE BARS.

Once I had completed my one year probationary period I was sent for six months hospital training at HMP Wormwood Scrubs. A Dr. Hunt was our mentor and very effective he was too. Well, he taught me something which says a lot! I was readily persuaded that I suffered from all the ailments and diseases he described. I became quite the hypochondriac. It didn't help when he had us using stethoscopes and sounding my heart out, asked whether I felt okay. Was I sure? he insisted. He was pulling my leg but I had a nervous few moments.

There was one doctor at the Scrubs Hospital who bore a strong resemblance to the actor, James Robertson Justice. Many reading this may not remember him. Suffice to say he often played the part of a small statured bombastic personality which just about summed up our doctor. Late one morning we had a young and strong psychotic irishman kick off. He needed restraining and all available staff grabbed what ever part of his anatomy they could. This was all before the ‘control & restraint training courses. Dr. 'Robertson Justice' came storming down the corridor with a syringe full of paraldehyde - a substance rarely used today but guaranteed to knock you out within moments. Finding a suitable part of the patients’ anatomy was proving a challenge as arms, legs and bodies were flying in all directions. Finally the good doctor plunged in his needle and a Hospital Principal Officer went down like a buffalo shot through the head. Another attempt was required and the doctor fled down the corridor to replenish his syringe. If at first you don't succeed!