The summary and positive findings below were written from the report by an AI model. The Board's own wording is in the report linked above.
Summary
Summary written by this site (AI-generated)
The Board has resumed actual visits to most locations, with two exceptions, and consists of three active members who continue their duties robustly, despite being under-strength. Key concerns include the persistent issue of detainees being denied access to prescribed medication in facilities without full-time medical professionals, and the slow rectification of structural and equipment deficiencies. Positive developments include the resolution of airside pass issuance and observations of humane and professional treatment of detainees.
Positive findings
Summary written by this site (AI-generated)
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.
Recommendations 4 items · 1 repeated
Recommendations were extracted from the report by AI, and responses and their status from the ministerial response by AI. Each recommendation shows whether its wording has been checked against the report.
Addressee: Ministry of Justice · Topic: Healthcare · Repeated from a previous year
Recommendation (the Board's words)
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.
Addressee: Ministry of Justice · Topic: Other
Recommendation (the Board's words)
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.
Addressee: Home Office · Topic: Other
Recommendation (the Board's words)
Request that their constructive engagement with the Board continues and that senior personnel continue to attend the monthly Board meetings.
Addressee: Other, other · Topic: Other
Recommendation (the Board's words)
Request that their constructive engagement with the Board continues and that senior personnel continue to attend the monthly Board meetings.
Key concerns 6 items
Key concerns were extracted from the report text by an AI model.
Key concern 1
Healthcare · Repeated from a previous year
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.
Key concern 2
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.
Key concern 3
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.
Key concern 4
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.
Key concern 5
Other
The Board remains considerably under-strength regarding the number of active members.
Key concern 6
Staffing
Restrictive DCO office space at some reporting centres limits free space for duties like searches.
Report details
- Establishment
- North West and Midlands STHF
- Type
- Prison, category IRC
- Report year
- 2023
- Published
- 29 June 2023
- Recommendations
- 4
Other reports for North West and Midlands STHF
Published 28 Aug 2026 · Key concerns recorded
Published 3 Oct 2025 · Key concerns recorded
Published 6 Aug 2024 · Key concerns recorded