Dartmoor

Response
When a prisoner at HMP Dartmoor requires overnight health and social care, care opportunities at the prison will always be explored first between health and social care partners which are commissioned by NHS England across Devon. Where the prison environment and regime can support this, overnight care will be provided by the commissioned health and social care team and there have been occasions in the past where overnight complex care has been provided at HMP Dartmoor. It is recognised that providing such care can be a challenge as hoists, tailored beds, wheelchairs and various pieces of equipment cannot fit into some prison environments. Where the required care cannot be provided at HMP Dartmoor, health and social care partners will provide support to find a suitable alternative prison setting, and nursing homes and community settings will also be explored as part of this process. The Board can be assured that the Governor has raised concern about those prisoners that will require social care beyond what can be provided in a prison without 24-hour healthcare facilities, during the current re-commissioning of healthcare services, given the prisons older population. NHS England is discussing regionally with partners in the South West how to provide better care for the health and social care needs of the older population to support the HMPPS Older Persons Strategy.

Response
I understand the Board’s continued concerns related to the closure of HMP Dartmoor. I am pleased to inform the Board that on 22 December 2021 staff at the prison were informed that HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) had agreed the principal terms of a new lease for HMP Dartmoor with the Duchy of Cornwall. Whilst this remains subject to final agreement, HMPPS can confirm that HMP Dartmoor will remain operational as a prison beyond the end of 2023. I am sure that the Board will agree that this is reassuring news for everyone working at the prison. It is acknowledged that these negotiations have been protracted but HMPPS has a duty to the taxpayer to ensure value for money. Throughout the period of uncertainty HMP Dartmoor has not dwelled on the closure notice and has continued to treat all prisoners with respect and decency which has been evident in staff remaining supportive of prisoners and their relationships continuing to be good. Prisoner Consultation has provided a platform for prisoners to have a voice that is listened to and acted upon and the prison is working to address any incidents of discrimination.It is recognised that the regime delivered has been impacted, mainly due to multiple long-term bed watches, as well as constant supervisions. These have impacted on the daily staffing levels, alongside the prison experiencing high sick absences, such as Covid-19. The prison is working hard to reduce these absences through supportive and robust attendance management practices. In addition, the Care and Trauma Risk Management (TRiM) Teams are available to support staff through their absence or trauma, and there is a recently recruited HR Permanence Manager. However, HMP Dartmoor does not currently have difficulties recruiting and there is a healthy pipeline of Prison Officer candidates. Operational Bands 3 – 10 are fully resourced with substantive, or temporary promoted employees, and plans are in place to fill all roles permanently. The prison has previously experienced the need to re-advertise for positions in the kitchen, but candidates are undergoing pre-employment checks to fill these vacancies now. While several experienced industrial staff will be leaving there are applicants interested in filling these positions. The healthcare provider, Practice Plus Group (PPG), has also experienced employees moving on, but staffing is at full complement following recent recruitment campaigns. The prison is aware that the buoyant labour market can impact on retention, as has the closure notice which is evidenced in exit interviews from those leaving roles. Workforce Planning Meetings are monitoring resourcing levels and succession planning is considered to ensure timely recruitment campaigns take place when necessary. Ministry of Justice Resourcing is also continuing to drive applications via paid media channels including promoting the opportunity to complete an apprenticeship as well as pro-actively managing candidates through the recruitment process.Investment continues to be made to the prisons infrastructure with tenders out to refurbish the showers on four wings and the care and separation unit. Work is planned to commence in May 2022 for the installation of in-cell telephony and surveys are taking place to consider a refurbishment of C wing which has been closed for many years. A new fit for purpose servery is currently being installed on G wing that will replace the temporary servery and a contract has been awarded to refurbish two existing constant supervision cells. Major work is also ongoing to refurbish the Gate Lodge and replace the roof which has experienced delays and is now planned to be complete in May 2022.

Response
the prison is working to address any incidents of discrimination.

Response
It is acknowledged that while HMP Dartmoor is a Category C Training prison it does hold a large number of prisoners within their resettlement window. The prison continues to work hard with HMPPS Capacity Management to realign the population by transferring prisoners to a resettlement prison or to the Open estate. The current pressures on capacity across the estate and previous restrictions on transfer during the pandemic to reduce the transmission of the virus have had an impact on this proactive collaboration. However, the prison is meeting its timescales for the handover from Prison Offender Manager to Community Offender Manager.

Response
Work is planned to commence in May 2022 for the installation of in-cell telephony and surveys are taking place to consider a refurbishment of C wing which has been closed for many years.