A prison psychologist was suspended for sending inappropriate photographs to an inmate with whom she had a secret relationship. Lisa Forgione, who worked at HMP Isle of Wight, sent the prisoner a series of birthday cards, including images of herself in a bikini and reportedly “completely topless,” as well as a Valentine’s Day card from an online retailer.

Forgione provided psychological care for the inmate, identified anonymously as Service User A, while employed at the facility. The inappropriate relationship began after she had left the prison and resigned from the prison service. The inmate, serving an indeterminate sentence, disclosed the relationship to his probation officer in July 2021, prompting an investigation into Forgione’s conduct. Despite the accusations, Forgione denied having any relationship with the prisoner.

Following the disclosure, Forgione resigned from her role in August 2021. The Health and Care Professions Tribunal Service (HCPTS) conducted a formal hearing and found that Forgione committed professional misconduct. She was suspended from practice for nine months starting in December 2025. The tribunal later ruled that she was no longer impaired and permitted her to return to work in October 2026.

The case highlights concerns about boundaries between mental health professionals and prisoners, particularly in high-risk environments such as correctional facilities. Forgione’s actions occurred between October 2019 and July 2021, a period during which she maintained professional sessions with Service User A before the inappropriate relationship began. The HCPTS panel’s decision reflects a disciplinary approach balancing public protection and the professional’s ability to resume practice after sanction.