Medical services

The colonial surgeon visited the sick in prison and dispensed medicine daily when required in the early years. The first prison hospital opened in1863, which operated inside the prison by medical officers with independent sickbay. In 1928, the prison hospital was rebuilt and patients had to move inside the prison during this period. Fortunately the rebuilding was completed before the epidemic outbreak in Hong Kong in 1932 and no prisoner was infected. The prison dental clinic was located at the Second floor of D Hall. Comprehensive dental treatment, including the provision of dentures, simple fillings and extractions were provided for the inmates by visiting dentist in Victoria Prison. During the early nineteen century, medical resources were limited in Victoria Prison and there was no medical staff on duty during the night. Full-time medical staff was hired since 1960s.

Victoria Prison had its own hospital and sickbays served by Medical Officers from the Department of Health and Correctional Officers who were qualified in nursing care. The Hospital of Victoria Prison was on the second floor of D Hall. The Hospital of Victoria Prison had separate wards for male and female inmates. The hospital staff was responsible for providing medical cares for the sick inmates round the clock. They also needed to conduct body examination for the newly admitted convicts and detainees. Hospital waiting area on the Second floor of D Hall.

The hospital had dispensary and store room. Ante-natal and post-natal cares were provided in female ward of the prison hospital, but babies are normally delivered in public hospitals. The medical officer distributed medicine to the sick inmates regularly. The morgue was located on the ground floor of D Hall, for post-mortem examination of prisoners who died in prison. The prison morgue was not in use for many years. Deceased prisoners now would be sent to public mortuary for post-mortem examination. All deaths inside prison should be reported to the Coroner to hold an inquest.