HMP Guys Marsh has developed its Incentivised Substance Free Living (ISFL) unit, provides comprehensive staff information on illicitly brewed alcohol, and ensures in-cell medication safes are available and fit for purpose. Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust has committed to introducing regular assurance checks for all prisoners in receipt of IP medication. (AI summary)
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Thank you for your Regulation 28 report of 25 July 2025 following the inquest into the death of Mr Sheldon Jeans at HMP Guys Marsh, which was sent to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Chief Executive at Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust, Minister of State for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending and myself, , Governing Governor at HMP Guys Marsh.
In the first instance, I would like to express my condolences the family of Sheldon Jeans for their loss. Every death in custody is a tragedy and the safety of those in our care is my absolute priority.
I am responding directly, to provide assurances that local actions and commitments agreed have been formally introduced where applicable.
The management of illicitly brewed alcohol (IBA):
The Drug and Alcohol Group (DAG) in HMPPS has developed and disseminated a range of materials specifically focused on IBA. Notably, the Drugs in Prison and Probation (DiPP) guide provides comprehensive information for staff at all levels — from frontline officers to heads of function.
The material is designed to enhance understanding of substances, support structured discussions, raise awareness, and assist with induction processes for new staff.
Harm reduction support for alcohol use is growing, with mutual aid groups like Alcoholics Anonymous playing a key role.
In addition, we have further developed our Incentivised Substance Free Living (ISFL) unit here at HMP Guys Marsh. This specialised unit offers a supportive environment for individuals to address both alcohol and drug-related issues.
As part of wider awareness efforts, we are aware that the National Prison Radio initiative is being recommissioned to feature speakers with lived experience of alcohol-related harm, helping to highlight the impact of illicit substance use and promote the support available.
In response to seasonal increases in IBA reported usage, the DAG issued a targeted briefing note outlining specific risks, indicators of IBA production, and guidance on effective operational responses. These materials have been shared with the Drug Strategy Lead here at HMP Guys Marsh to support local awareness-raising, harm reduction initiatives, and inform our decision- making.
We have also implemented a series of targeted local measures to mitigate the risks of IBA.
A comprehensive Local Operating Procedure (LOP) has been introduced, to guide staff in managing incidents involving prisoners found under the influence, including those affected by IBA.
Searching operations continue with a specific focus on identifying and safely removing IBA, which is subsequently reported and destroyed by the Security Department when discovered.
To strengthen these efforts, the regional Dedicated Searching Team (DST) is regularly deployed to support intelligence-led searches where IBA is a priority concern.
In addition, preventative steps have been taken to limit the availability of ingredients commonly used in brewing IBA. Yeast-based items have been removed from the canteen list, and fruit and natural sugar-based products have been restricted. These measures aim to reduce the opportunity for prisoners to produce IBA.
Medication – In possession:
The handling of medication held in possession (IP) by prisoners and prescribing practices in prisons are the responsibility of NHS England. Here at HMP Guys Marsh, our commissioned partner is Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust.
The safe management of medication is governed by clinical guidance and national service specifications, which set out standards for prescribing, dispensing, and monitoring medication.
In addition, in cell medication safes are available and we have renewed our focus on ensuring these are available and fit-for-purpose where utilised.
Oxleas operate Medicines Management Committees, and I (Or delegated authority in my absence) attends these meetings to ensure collaborative oversight.
Decisions about which medications are issued to prisoners, including those held in possession, are made by healthcare professionals following a comprehensive risk assessment of both the medication and the individual.
Locally, at HMP Guys Marsh, non-tradeable medications may be issued as IP on a case-by-case basis, subject to a formal risk assessment conducted by healthcare staff. The provision of IP medication is designed to support independent living and prepare prisoners for reintegration into the community.
Prisoners receiving IP medication must sign a compact agreeing to the safe storage and use of their medication, including the use of in-cell lockers. Breaches of this compact will result in the removal of IP medication.
Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust, has committed to introducing regular assurance checks for all prisoners in receipt of IP medication, as agreed at the Local Quality Delivery Board in August 2025.
Thank you again for bringing your concerns to our attention.
I trust that this response provides assurance that action is being taken to address the matters identified.