An official report has levelled serious criticisms of the health care offered to inmates at the Isle of Man prison.

The Chief Inspector of Prisons says those held at the jail are not receiving the same standard of healthcare as in the community.

And it describes some prescribing practices as 'unsafe'.

The report highlights weaknesses in several key areas - including bully and race relations - but has praised the jail for its good staff-prisoner relations.

The report makes 30 recommendations to improve healthcare at the prison

Among the fundamental criticisms: that the authorities have failed to assess the needs of the prison population - or link health care provision to the Island's health service.

The Department of Home Affairs has pledged that in future, medical services in the prison will meet the same standard as those delivered in the community.

The report also calls for policies to prevent bullying; to improve first night arrangements and in the areas of race relations and suicide awareness.

On the positive side, the report praises staff for managing prisoners with respect and noted progress in educational opportunities. The team was pleased that juveniles are no longer held at the prison although it recommends that 17 year olds are now removed from the prison environment.

Home Affairs minister John Shimmin says many of the shortcomings highlighted in the report will be addressed with the move to the new prison at Jurby.