Positive findings
AI-generated summary
The Board is pleased that the issue of obtaining airside passes has been resolved, which now typically occurs within 6-8 weeks. They observed detainees being treated humanely, with consideration, courtesy, and professionalism by Care & Custody officers during visits and inductions. Compliments folders in Manchester RSTHF contain letters of appreciation from previous residents.
Key concerns
6 items
Healthcare
Repeated
Detained individuals are still being denied access to their prescribed medication while in holding rooms, a concern highlighted in reports for the past five years.
Healthcare
The only facility that has a medical professional on duty full time is the Manchester RSTHF. All other facilities need to rely on the ambulance service if medical advice is needed. This is far from a satisfactory situation and can only add to the pressures on the ambulance service.
Estate/Conditions
The Board is concerned about the time it takes to rectify the deficiencies of structure and equipment within all the facilities the Board monitors. To highlight this issue the Board has introduced a record of deficiencies which are identified during rota visits. This is then discussed with all stakeholders at the monthly Board meetings.
Regime/Time Out of Cell
During 2022 the Board heard from members of staff and the medical professionals working at Manchester RSTHF that a number of females were being transferred to and from Derwentside to southern IRCs an excessive number of times.
Other
The Board remains considerably under-strength regarding the number of active members.
Staffing
Restrictive DCO office space at some reporting centres limits free space for duties like searches.
Source wording under review
Recommendations
4 items · 1 repeated
Addressee: Ministry of Justice
For the fifth year in succession, the Board repeats its concern at the lack of proper procedures which would allow DCOs or other qualified personnel to provide detained individuals with access to their prescribed medication. The Board continues to note that the welfare of detained individuals has been adversely affected by this situation. This occurs particularly in holding rooms and reporting centres. The Board understands that a process has begun to address this issue but is disappointed as to the length of time that is being taken to solve this problem.
Repeated
Source text verified
Recorded status:
Topic: Healthcare
Addressee: Ministry of Justice
The Board will be seeking new members during 2023 via the national IDE recruitment programme, and upon completion will be making recommendations for appointment. The Board seeks assurance from the Minister that those recommended will be appointed without delay, otherwise the viability of the Board will be compromised.
Source text verified
Recorded status:
Topic: Other
Addressee: Home Office
Request that their constructive engagement with the Board continues and that senior personnel continue to attend the monthly Board meetings.
Source text verified
Recorded status:
Topic: Other
Addressee: Other — other
Request that their constructive engagement with the Board continues and that senior personnel continue to attend the monthly Board meetings.
Source text verified
Recorded status:
Topic: Other
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