監獄醫生: 圍牆之後的痛苦與生死

by Shahed Yousaf, 沙赫德‧尤薩夫, 李伊婷 (Translator)

在圍牆之後，他們是罪人，是病人，更是一個人──
　　一位監獄醫生在監獄之中看見的，那些被遺忘者的痛苦與生死……

　　當前全球的監獄系統普遍面臨著各種挑戰，包括人權問題、過度擁擠、缺乏醫療保健等等。然而，這些問題的影響對囚犯和監獄工作人員同樣巨大，而尤薩夫這位在監獄中照顧所有人健康的監獄醫生，就在這鐵幕圍牆之中，親眼見證了無數由此而生的悲劇與問題。

　　在書中，尤薩夫分享了他從一個初來乍到的新手到一個經驗豐富的醫生的轉變，並且描述了他在監獄系統中的工作經驗和所面臨的挑戰。他從一個監獄醫生的角度，細緻描繪了監獄醫療保健的現實，以及他如何應對各種困難情況，包括囚犯的心理健康問題、毒品成癮、自殺等等。

　　他親眼看著這些被奪去名字與尊嚴的人們在牢籠之中痛苦、受盡折磨，在渺小見方的囚室內，寒冷卻沒有暖氣貌似理所當然，受苦而無力拯救就像例行公事，藥物需要控制以避免被囚犯拿去交易，為囚犯看診需要隨時緊盯出口位置以及緊急鈴避免憾事發生，這一切衝擊著他對於成為一位醫生的應有的信念。

　　在這裡，他們不相信醫生，整個體制也告訴他們絕對不要相信囚犯，但他卻從未放棄過他們，也從未過問他們所犯下的罪刑，因為在犯人這個身分之上，他們也是人，是病人，也是他需要救助的人。

尤薩夫透過自身親眼所見的種種故事，刻劃出令人難以忘卻的無數生死與苦難，讓我們可以更好地理解監獄系統中的挑戰和困難，進而反思和探討如何改善監獄系統。在這個過程中，我們也可以更好地理解和認識監獄系統中包括囚犯、監獄工作人員、政府等等的各方利益關係。此外，尤薩夫更點出了監獄中存在的種族不平等和性別歧視，這些問題對囚犯和監獄工作人員的影響非常深遠。
　　
對許多人來說，在監獄圍牆之後的人們是犯罪者，他們觸犯了法律，更甚者有些還剝奪了他人的性命，他們甚至不應該擁有人權，或應該要剝奪屬於「人」的某些權利當作懲罰。然而對於身為醫生的尤薩夫來說，不論在圍牆之內或圍牆之外，他們都與你我相同，都是活生生的生命，不應該因此刻意的遺忘他們，並且對他們在其中的遭遇不聞不問，甚至認為他們都活該如此，因為生而為人，我們都應保有良知與人性。

Genres: Nonfiction, Medical, Medicine, Memoir, Mental Health, Biography, Biography Memoir

238 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 26, 2023

Reviews

[Mellisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

An eyeopening, insightful account from a prison doctor. There's parts that are shocking, and shows just how tough the life of a prison doctor is.

It's an absolutely fantastic story that will be enjoyed by everyone who likes the doctor books etc. Nothing I say can really give it justice to how much this needs to be read.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I inhaled this book in under a day, and for good reason - it was fascinating, albeit challenging in places, and gave me an insight into the struggles faced by the people tasked with caring for those in modern British prisons. The author, clearly a gifted writer and self-proclaimed fan of literature, is an excellent storyteller. He describes with jest his interactions with staff and patients, and how the system is structured in a very unforgiving climate.

There are some minor areas of repetitiveness, but I think this is an editorial issue rather than an authors one. Otherwise, this was a pleasure to read and I sincerely hope the author publishes a sequel.

[liztheliterary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Penguin Books and Netgalley for this ARC.

"A caged animal would not be held in these conditions. And yet here we are."

What an incredibly insightful book. I enjoyed Dr Yousaf's perspective thoroughly and his dry humour was spectacular.

I've been listening to a lot of true crime podcasts lately and wondered what the healthcare in prisons must be like - so while this novel was out of my usual genre, I absolutely loved it. You get behind-the-scenes of prisons systems, hierarchy, in-depth injuries that need attending and witness some very special, heartwarming relationships forming.

Reading this book felt like having an intellectual conversation with an old friend. His dry humor made me laugh out loud, while his descriptions of some of the injuries made my stomach turn upside down. I loved his observations of people with his witty responses and thoughts.

The only downside to me was that there was quite a bit of repetition throughout, but it can easily be overlooked and be viewed as emphasis instead.

"My first name is spelled phonetically and is just two syllables Shah-hed. It translates from the Arabic for ‘witness’."

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fantastic non fiction book about the realities of being a prison doctor.

I've read plenty of books like this previously and while this book didn't necessarily stand out it was still a very enjoyable and insightful read.

The good thing about books about prisons, is it doesn't matter how many you read, they will always contain different insights, experiences and anecdotes.

This book was well written, easy to read and contained lots of interesting stories and information about what it's really like to work in a prison.

If you are interested in true crime or enjoy medical memoirs, then I think you will find this book very interesting and insightful. Highly recommend.

[Iram Hussain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating insight into the life of a prison doctor, a profession many may be curious about. Well explained and accessible without confusing jargon or pretentious terminology. Empathetic and warm approach to serious subject matter and never predictable, much like the job at hand. An emotional rollercoaster with surprisingly humorous insights, and a very human approach to even the most bizzare scenarios.

[Zara Harper · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting insight into being a prison gp, however I found it to be slightly lacking in talking about cases and more towards how poor the health system in prisons is. I would have loved to hear less about that and more about his patients personally. Still very eye opening and some of the stories within were shocking! Stay out of prison kids!

[Nat Eveleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

This is a non fiction story of a doctor who works in a prison setting.

He describes his job and some of the patients he treats, with wide ranging issues such as drug addiction, alcoholism, mental health crises, and general illnesses.

This was quite an eye opening book as to what happens in a prison, and how difficult it is for medical staff, especially with the underfunding to the prison service. It was well written, and I read it relatively quickly. Would highly recommend to anyone who is a fan of non fiction stories like this.

[Becs · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can see how this has come about; let's face it, the market for doctors or health care professionals sharing their experiences in their roles has definitely taken off since Adam Kay bravely bared all. In fact, it has extended far beyond hospital practice and instead has reached as far as things like forensic pathology. In this case, Dr Yousaf takes us through his journey as a GP in the prison service.

It may well be a bit of a cash cow now - using medical careers as a means to become published - but actually I think there is a place for it. Stitched Up has a lot to offer - namely an insight into how the prison service actually works, relative to healthcare, but it most importantly offers unique perspective (and often controversial perspective) on the importance of treating prisoners the same as we would treat other patients. There's definitely a lot to be said for this - and probably just as much being said against it, but I think that's where this book absolutely fits.

The trouble is that where Adam Kay's obs and gynae spin on things was really fun and filled with equal parts humour and heart, Dr Yousaf, whilst absolutely likeable and clearly an important voice in his field, was a little bit dry. I appreciated the message he wanted to share, and it was eye opening, but the stories weren't as captivating or relatable I think for as many readers.

Nevertheless, certainly worth a read and absolutely worthy of joining the genre.

ARC provided from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr Y portrays life within the UK prisons with some of the most perfectly harrowing, mind boggling and almost totally unbelievable examples. Having worked within the prisons for over a decade, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and re-immersing myself into institutional life. Scarier still is that the stories captured within this are unlikely to be embellished in any way. You can’t quite understand what it’s like to work in prisons until you do work in there however this is a very good attempt to capture it. Definitely worth a read for the curious.

[Clair's Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️ 5/5
📚 50/36
❤️ Loved the background to the Author at the beginning
📖 A sombre & heartwarming ‘This Is Going To Hurt’ but prison style
😱 Autocannibalism 🤢 & Pica 😱
💬 “Each and every one of us is just one bad decision away from being incarcerated”
📘 To read: My Name Is Leon - Kit De Waal
📆 July 2022

I received this ARC e-book in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting account of a prison doctor, not the first I've read but another one to provide some very eye opening stories!

I enjoyed this book a lot, I did put it down half way through and it took me a long time to read it but once I got back into it, I did enjoy the read. A collection of stories over Dr Y's career as a doctor in a prison, plenty will make you cringe and some are very sad, as to be expected.

Very interesting and enjoyable for anyone who likes biographies.

[Clare Canavan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having worked in the prison service in a civilian front facing capacity, I felt Dr Y encapsulated perfectly the good, the bad and the ugly of life behind the wall. I was particularly touched by his understanding of Jamie and highlighting the work of the Shannon Trust and the power of reading and creativity. What a wonderful doctor who has never compromised his authentic self 📚❤️

[Millie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

[Juliet Small · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this extremely interesting. I am left wondering why the heck any doctor would want to work in a prison!!

[jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a thoughtful insight into healthcare in prisons. Dr Y's frustration and anger with the system is given a human face by outlining some of the patients who he meets; some of whose needs he can meet but more often than not is unable to help them in any meaningful way. His emphasis on teamwork and camaraderie was also well placed.
Having worked in a hospital close to a category A prison, I became quite used to having closely guarded prisoners as patients, and it is interesting to understand more fully the work involved prior to their admission.
I did feel at times that the author's style made me feel I was reading a series of short stories rather than a complete book but thought provoking none the less
Thank you to netgalley and Random House for an advance copy of this book

[Kerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and interesting

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is it the wrong thing to say I enjoyed this book, given this subject matter? Perhaps. So I’ll say this instead - I was gripped by the this book and couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. I requested the book because I was intrigued to have a rare insight into an unusual job but reading it, I got so much more. The stories of the patients Dr. Yousaf treats are shocking and creepy at times but heartwarming at other points too. I loved the accounts of the found family he found in his colleagues as well as those of his own family. It’s definitely worth a read and I would recommend it to readers who enjoy true crime as well as those who enjoy biographies.

Thanks to Dr. Yousaf, his publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to review an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Ana Sedolli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put down this book. It was so captivating and insightful on what’s going on behind bars.
Really loved it.

[Lauren Rea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for letting me pre read this book.

I really enjoyed this, it’s not usually a genre I would go for, I’m usually reading crime fiction but I requested this book for a change,

The book is well written, and any medical terms used are thoroughly explained. It was a great insight as to the life of a prison doctor, a real eye opener! Dr Y covers everything just as he saw it happen, with stories about individuals told with respect and without judgment. Dr Y has a really lovely nature which comes across warmly in the book as we learn more about him, even as he shares his own personal experiences and struggles, he writes with positivity and kindness. He seems as though he genuinely just wants to help people.

Would recommend a read it was very good!

[Mia Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating insight into prison health care.

[Sylvia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was one of the better written in its genre. The usual way is to give too much information about their personal life or use the book to make a political point. However, Dr Y as he is known throughout the book manages to capture what it is like to work within the prison service. I liked the way he talked about the prisoners who he dealt with. He was honest about how they made him feel. For example to start with he was very scared, repulsed and overwhelmed. He always stuck to his principles and always did the best he could. I would definitely recommend it.

[Julie Haigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. A totally fascinating book.

I've read quite a few medical memoirs; I'm familiar with most different departments etc. This book is different as the doctor isn't working in a hospital environment-instead he looks after the health of prison inmates. Dr Shahed Yousaf's account is an excellent read. Eye-opening, gritty, shocking, gruesome.

I just had to read on, until well into the small hours; I just had to know what it’s like. It seems nothing like I'd already seen on TV. Conditions are not just grim for the inmates-but even for this doctor. No clean and tidy consulting room for him in here!

A totally fascinating book.

[Aria Harlow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love true crime but I never read anything that is non fiction about prison life/imjurys and so forth, so this was an interesting read but it was also brutal and raw and completely believeable in their entirety.
As brutal as it was it was also funny at times which I was suprised about and some of the characters - for want of a better word - that I was introduced too were suprising in so many different ways. A really enjoyable read that I would recommend

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGALLEY for the e-ARC. This was a well written and fascinating account of world few will experience but that affects the whole world. Yousaf writes with compassion and clarity. Great book!

[Naomi Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very different to a different book I listened to ‘The Prison Doctor’. I felt this book was more insightful and gave a more honest insight into offender healthcare and the challenges of healthcare in prisons in the UK.

[janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read so many true life/true crime novels set in prisons all over the world, written by prisoners, ex prisoners, staff and governors but this has got to be the most honest one I have read to date!

Whilst shocking and hard to read at times it's also just as humorous and had me laughing out loud with some of the stories Dr Y tells of his patients.

Dr Shahed Yousaf (Dr Y) portrays life behind the security doors of a UK prison. Just what goes on in this institutionalised life and how harrowing it can be at times, not just for the prisoners!

A compassionate, warm and empathetic Dr working in one hell of a serious situation at times, this book never got tiring and was never predictable.

This was a really interesting insight of what goes on in the daily life of a prison GP and just how poor the health care system is within these prisons, you can feel the anger and frustration Dr Y was feeling radiating off the pages.

I would have personally have loved to hear more about the patients but that doesn't affect the enjoyment (can I say I enjoyed it? 🙄) of the book.

I loved the fact that everything was explained in plain English, no pretentious 'Dr speak'.
Highly recommend.

Huge thanks to netgalley and Random House UK/Transworld for the ARC.

[Karen Shah · Rating 5 out of 5]

An honest, insightful and thought provoking read

I cannot recommend this book highly enough. In his beautifully written book, Dr Yousaf invites his readers to consider what it is truly like to be imprisoned. With anecdotes that will make you laugh as well as bring tears to your eyes, this book will also make you think about how you see society and those people who end up serving time in our overcrowded, underfunded prisons. It certainly made me challenge some of my own prejudices and question whether our justice system is fit for purpose. As well as giving us an insight into what it is truly like to work as a prison doctor, Dr Yousaf opens up and bravely shares his own life experiences in such a sincere and touching way that you cannnot fail to be thankful that doctors like him are out there working for the good of us all in society. A fabulous, engaging and interesting read and i cannot wait to see more from this amazing author.

[✰matthew✰ · Rating 5 out of 5]

i’ve read a number of this type of book, some by prison healthcare staff and i’ve definitely had mixed results with them. i think it’s fair to say this is one of (if not the,) best i’ve read.

primarily for me this is for two reasons, the humanity and compassion this author clearly writes with and shows his patients and the way the book explains and is brutally honest but doesn’t patronise or dramatise.

all of the patients and situations described in this book are portrayed as real people, unlike some similar books.

the author also writes about the dire state of the prison system in the uk and how it’s unsustainable and unsafe, this opened my eyes to how bad the sector is struggling.

i thought this book was fantastic and would suggest people read it to see a genuine perspective of prison healthcare in the uk, but also to gain an understanding into the prison system as a whole.

(the paperback isn’t listed yet on goodreads but that is the edition i actually read.)

[Beth]

I am always intrigued by both prisons and health care so I was excited to get into this one. Dr Shahed Yousaf sounds like an incredible man and the kind of person I would want to be my doctor. His compassion and empathy were lovely to read. This book is a great resource for people who believe that if you’re in prison you deserve to be treated less than. They are still human and the justice system isn’t always fair. It was also an insightful yet extremely depressing look into how underfunded the prison system is and how much pressure the health care teams are under. I would have liked to have seen more actual cases though. I did also find there was a lot of repetition throughout the book. It was still an interesting read.

I received a copy of the ebook via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

[Charlotte Cowley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this memoir on audiobook and the 8 hours absolutely flew by. The description of the memoir is completely accurate in that, yes, I did laugh and yes, I did want to cry. I found some chapters extremely poignant, and the book really opened my eyes to the inadequate standards of men's prisons. I like medical memoirs in general and so I knew I would probably enjoy the doctor side of this book, but the last book I had read regarding a prison psychologist I nearly couldn't finish. The merging of prison and medicine in this book was flawless and I enjoyed every part of it. I also appreciated that Shahed shared his heritage and the prejudice he faced because of the colour of his skin, the prisoners assumed he must be stuck-up and have a background of money but that just isn't th case. I would happily read any other book that Shahed Yousaf publishes.

7.5/10