Featherstone

Response
I understand the Board’s continued concerns and frustrations regarding the infrastructure of HMP Featherstone. A major programme of fire safety improvements is scheduled to commence in 2025/26. However, I appreciate that this does not address your immediate concerns and, in the interim, a project to provide wired, automated fire detection in 27 cells has completed design and will be delivered this financial year, which will provide additional support to the Governor in managing fire starters. Due to current funding and capacity pressures, HM Prisons and Probation Service (HMPPS) has unfortunately been unable to commit to the refurbishment of houseblocks 1-5 and replacement of windows across the entire prison, but will continue to seek opportunities to do so. As the Board will be aware, an options appraisal was commissioned in November 2020 and was reviewed again in 2021, as part of the possible expansion reviews across the estate, which is still under review. In the meantime, the MoJ Property Directorate has commissioned a feasibility study, which is being considered, for redevelopment of the site. HMPPS will make every effort to ensure a safe and decent environment is maintained despite the infrastructure challenges. Residential Managers at HMP Featherstone undertake regular assurance checks to ensure that a decent environment is maintained and any arising concerns are raised with Amey.

Response
Various approaches are being taken from both national and local levels to expedite prisoners from custody to a suitable secure mental health setting. NHS England is working with regions to prioritise improvement approaches to tackle long-waits. In the Midlands Region, a group of senior leaders across Health and Justice Commissioning, Specialised Commissioning, and Provider Collaboratives, has been established to explore strategic changes that will improve access to secure beds. The West Midlands Health and Justice Commissioning team continue to chair a fortnightly call with the commissioners and providers of secure mental health services to discuss and support the transfer of prisoners, whilst it is recognised that the availability of suitable beds is a constraining factor. As the Board will be aware, ensuring the safety and fair treatment of prisoners experiencing severe mental illness, whilst also maintaining the safety and wellbeing of their peers, remains a challenge. In order to keep both the prisoner and those around them safe, it has often meant using the Care and Separation Unit (CSU) as the most appropriate option in the short-term. However, HMP Featherstone has recently not held prisoners suffering from mental health in CSU for long periods of time. The prison continues to work collaboratively with Practice Plus and Inclusion partners, in supporting and managing prisoners and ensuring that all referrals are completed in a timely manner. Multidisciplinary meetings are conducted regarding those in a period of crisis, enabling a comprehensive, collaborative and fully informed support plan to be developed and potential transfers arranged accordingly.