David Howarth

The Governor and Head of Healthcare should ensure that all staff undertaking risk assessments for prisoners taken to hospital understand the legal position on the use of restraints and that authorising managers show that they have taken this information into account when assessing a prisoner’s current level of risk.

The Governor and Head of Healthcare are still awaiting for the outcome of the review on the Prevention of Escapes undertaken by NHS England working with HMPPS. This work is planned for completion by October 2024. Any finding from this review will be considered by the Governor and Head of Healthcare. The Head of Healthcare will ensure all clinical staff who routinely undertake risk assessments are aware of the Graham Judgement and fully complete the relevant section in the risk assessment form. In the meantime a thorough risk assessment will continue be completed prior to every escort and will be reviewed regularly whilst prisoners are on bed watch. This risk assessment will take into account medical considerations and will be balanced against risks presented by the individual prior to a decision being taken on the level of restraint required. The use of restraints will be proportionate to the risks presented and will always be in line with policy and take into account the ‘Graham Judgement’. A manager will visit each bed watch on a daily basis and is required to assess levels of restraint used against medical presentation. Any changes will be reported to the security team for further review.