Frankland

Given the ageing prison population and a growing number of prisoners being diagnosed with dementia, can consideration now be given to providing an appropriate physical environment for this group of prisoners along with suitably qualified care workers (para 6.4)?

HMP Durham has accessible cells on A wing and cells on B wing, E wing and the Healthcare centre which were compliant with the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act 2005 (now replaced by the Equality Act 2010). In addition, an access lift is provided to the Healthcare centre due to its upper level location. It is acknowledged that the opportunities to increase the number of these cells has been limited due to the available funding from the national bid process being prioritised at HMP Durham on improvements to local heating systems and security within the Separation and Care Unit (SACU). The Victorian design of the prison is also a recognised challenge for adaption, particularly to modern heating systems and adequate control implementation, but heating improvements are in progress to F wing with installation of a new boiler plant. E wing has also been identified for a funding bid during 2022/23 to make further improvements. The on-going CRED programme is also making good improvements to in-cell conditions, such as those on B1 landing, with the rolling programme continuing throughout 2022 including replacement of poor lighting. In addition, ongoing work is taking place to replace broken toilet screens and funding has been provided to provide curtains to individual cells overseen by the local residential team.

Can HMPPS now expedite the completion of the prisoners’ property policy framework with particular focus on consistent, effective processes and rules that are easily understood (para 5.8)?

Can HMPPS review the physical environment for healthcare, which is no longer sufficient for the size of the establishment?

HMP Durham has accessible cells on A wing and cells on B wing, E wing and the Healthcare centre which were compliant with the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act 2005 (now replaced by the Equality Act 2010). In addition, an access lift is provided to the Healthcare centre due to its upper level location. It is acknowledged that the opportunities to increase the number of these cells has been limited due to the available funding from the national bid process being prioritised at HMP Durham on improvements to local heating systems and security within the Separation and Care Unit (SACU). The Victorian design of the prison is also a recognised challenge for adaption, particularly to modern heating systems and adequate control implementation, but heating improvements are in progress to F wing with installation of a new boiler plant. E wing has also been identified for a funding bid during 2022/23 to make further improvements. The on-going CRED programme is also making good improvements to in-cell conditions, such as those on B1 landing, with the rolling programme continuing throughout 2022 including replacement of poor lighting. In addition, ongoing work is taking place to replace broken toilet screens and funding has been provided to provide curtains to individual cells overseen by the local residential team.

Can the relaunch of the key worker scheme be taken forward as soon as possible to include further staff training and additional management input where appropriate?