Whatton

We ask the minister to look at the evidence and, again, address this issue directly with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to support prisons in providing reasonable and timely support for these prisoners.

I recognise that people in prison generally have poorer health and more complex needs than the general population, and this includes a higher prevalence of mental health needs. The Government takes this and prisoners well-being very seriously and safety remained a priority throughout the pandemic. As the Board have identified, Covid-19 pandemic and the regime restrictions introduced in response to it brought new and different risks to safety in prisons. We recognise that anxieties regarding Covid-19 and the restrictions required for infection control may have exacerbated mental health needs and increased the risk of self- harm amongst some prisoners. To support Governors in devising and implementing local safety and welfare plans designed to mitigate the safety risks, HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) produced a range of products. These included tools such as tailored guidance for supporting specific groups of people in prison whose wellbeing may have been more affected by Covid-19 measures, including older prisoners, those with learning disabilities, autistic, transgender prisoners, and groups known to be at increased risk of self-harm, suicide, or violence. Throughout this period, the mental health team at HMP Whatton continued to provide interventions and access to those individuals deemed as vulnerable albeit sometimes from behind their cell door and face to face when possible.
As the Board is aware, due to some ward closures in secure hospitals as result of patients testing positive for Covid-19, many patients incurred further delays to admission and as a result there are significant waiting times for access to secure hospital provision, for which, as you will appreciate, the pathway is complex. However, I hope to provide some assurance that NHS England (NHSE) Health and Justice (Midlands) Governance team continues to oversee the fortnightly clinical case review meetings, which is helping prioritise the waiting list and specific needs.
More broadly, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) is committed to working with health partners to reduce delays experienced by people in prison awaiting transfer to hospital. Together with the Department of Health and Social Care, we published a draft Mental Health Bill on 27 June 2022 which contains several critical reforms to improve support for individuals with acute mental health needs in the criminal justice system. This includes the introduction of a new statutory time limit of 28 days for transfer from prisons and other places of detention to hospital. This time limit, together with operational improvements, should help reduce unnecessary delays and ensure people in the criminal justice system receive swift access to treatment.
In the Prisons Strategy White Paper, we committed to refreshing the National Partnership Agreement (NPA) for Healthcare in Prisons in England, which will be developed to include people released from prison or on probation. The new NPA is due to be published this year and will detail a shared priority workplan to deliver safe, decent, effective healthcare.
In terms of social care, Governors do not have direct responsibility for this in their prisons. Under the terms of the Care Act 2014, and the Social Services and Well-Being (Wales) Act 2014, local authorities have a legal obligation to assess the need for, and provide social care to, people whose needs make them eligible to receive it. Social care services should provide the necessary support to individuals who are unable to care for partially or fully themselves, to the extent that it impacts on their well-being.

Will HMPPS allot extra funding to ensure that the backlog is eliminated and those who have lost out have access to those courses that are important to them in a timely programme for their progress through prison?

OBP funding is considered on an annual basis, although no changes were made during the pandemic, and funding allocation is based on ability to deliver and identified need. All OBP funding is kept under regular review to maximise HMPPS’ ability to meet identified need based on available resources. A central OBP team has been established to support prisons in maximising use of resources to increase delivery volumes.
As part of OBP recovery, HMP Whatton has significantly increased delivery offers compared to the period of restricted delivery and is providing high intensity longer duration programmes (which reduces the number of places offered compared to shorter, lower intensity programmes). HMP Whatton is delivering a wide range of interventions to reflect the profile of demand both locally and supporting national demand for programmes. A review of their current waiting lists demonstrates a close match between demand and delivery with careful consideration being given to prioritising those in greatest need.

Will the Prison Service advise when the energy-saving solar panels will be installed at HMP Whatton?

The solar photovoltaics programme is currently paused due to supply chain issues, a decision on next steps is expected soon. The Governor will keep you informed of progress.

Can the Prison Service develop a reliable system of handling and tracking prisoners’ property, to reduce these unacceptable losses and to minimise the number of compensation claims?

The newly published Prisoners’ Property Policy Framework has been designed with procedural justice at its core and aims to ensure consistency and fairness and enhance prisoners’ satisfaction with processes and outcomes. Given the nature of property, and the movement of prisoners between establishments, the Framework looks to provide greater direction and standardisation on a national basis. It strengthens processes in relation to the main problem areas identified by IMBs and staff including the handling of valuable property, managing cell clearances, compliance with volumetric control and forwarding on excess property following a prisoner’s transfer. While digital improvements to property processes are being explored, the nature of that work means that any digital changes are likely to be longer-term and as such will not be part of the forthcoming framework. However, the introduction of digitally recorded Person Escort Records including property tags will assist with the few investigations for property that is lost in transit with Prisoner Escort and Custody Services suppliers.

Will the Prison Service, once again, consider substantial refurbishment or replacement of the healthcare facilities so that they match those expected in the community?

Following criticisms made by the by the Care Quality Commission (pre- pandemic), work was undertaken to address each of the concerns raised. A review of the healthcare facility has recently been conducted to identify some remedial work. A minor refurbishment programme is being considered to create additional external storage areas to enable the expansion of treatment rooms, office space and consultation rooms. The B wing pipework replacement project is due to start in early 2023 which will alleviate the water ingress and damp issues within healthcare. The provision of an on-site temporary healthcare unit will be provided whilst the projects are running.