Source · IMB Annual Report
North West and Midlands STHF
Year: 2023
Published: 29 Jun 2023
Type: Prison · Cat IRC
Recommendations: 4
Key concerns
Positive findings
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
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
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
Lack of full-time medical professionals at facilities other than Manchester RSTHF, leading to an unsatisfactory reliance on ambulance services for medical advice.
Estate/Conditions
The time taken to rectify deficiencies of structure and equipment within all monitored facilities.
Regime/Time Out of Cell
Excessive and repeated transfers of female detainees between Derwentside and southern IRCs.
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.
Recommendations
| # | Recommendation | Addressee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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 | Ministry of Justice | |
| 2 | 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. | Ministry of Justice | |
| 3 | Request that their constructive engagement with the Board continues and that senior personnel continue to attend the monthly Board meetings. | Home Office | |
| 4 | Request that their constructive engagement with the Board continues and that senior personnel continue to attend the monthly Board meetings. | Other |
Other reports for North West and Midlands STHF
Report details
- Establishment
- North West and Midlands STHF
- Type
- Prison · Cat IRC
- Report year
- 2023
- Published
- 29 June 2023
- Recommendations
- 4
Population
| Operational capacity | 32 |
Service providers
Border Control
UK Border Force (UKBF)
Detention Contractor
Care & Custody (Mitie)
IMB Secretariat
IMB Secretariat
Oversight/Enforcement
Home Office Immigration Enforcement (HOIE)