Mental Health
Repeated
A lack of appropriate accommodation in the prison system for prisoners with serious mental health problems continues to be a problem, with some such prisoners remaining in segregation for long periods.
Segregation
Prisoners being in dirty conditions in segregation for lengthy periods has a negative impact on other prisoners in segregation.
Equality/Diversity
Provision for some prisoners with disabilities has been inadequate and co-ordination between service providers has been lacking.
Complaints/Property
There is a lack of confidence amongst prisoners in the complaints system.
Other
Property continues to be lost on transfer between establishments.
Regime/Time Out of Cell
Periodically, there have continued to be shortages of essential items of clothing, kit and shoes.
Food/Catering
Prisoners have expressed dissatisfaction with both the quality and quantity of food. There have been supply problems with some canteen items.
Healthcare
Shortages of NHS Health care staff have been apparent and prisoners have complained about a lack of access to health services, and mental health services, in particular.
Complaints/Property
Health care complaints do not appear to be being dealt with adequately.
Regime/Time Out of Cell
At the end of the reporting year, staff training has curtailed the regime one day a month.
Education/Purposeful Activity
Take-up of education after the easing of Covid restrictions has been slow.
Resettlement/Release
Many prisoners are held for long periods either on remand, awaiting sentencing or awaiting moves to other establishments after sentencing, and are therefore unable to progress in their sentences.
Resettlement/Release
Repeated
An increasing number of imprisonments for public protection (IPP) prisoners are left with uncertainty as to when they will come before the Parole Board or be released, which can be detrimental to their mental health.