Prisoner disability support

Lincoln (2020)

HMP Lincoln, a Category B local prison, generally treats prisoners fairly and humanely, with a predictable regime and improved cleanliness, according to the IMB's report for 2019-2020. Key improvements include reduced violence, better staff-prisoner relationships, and improved healthcare and education provision. However, significant concerns persist regarding the high level of self-harm, prisoner homelessness on release, and ongoing maintenance issues affecting accessibility and facilities.

PRISON Key concerns

Hewell (2020)

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted HMP Hewell, leading to a full lockdown, 23.5-hour cell confinement, and cessation of most activities. While staff are commended for averting a direct catastrophic impact from the virus and improving cleanliness, concerns remain regarding prisoner welfare, mental health, and rehabilitation. The prison saw leadership changes and continued a journey of improvement after years of poor performance, with some areas showing progress despite ongoing challenges in safety, healthcare provision, and regime delivery.

PRISON Key concerns

Rye Hill (2020)

HMP Rye Hill, a Category B training prison for men convicted of sexual offences, operated at or near its maximum capacity of 664 during the reporting year. The IMB found the prison to be a generally safe and fair environment, with improvements in healthcare provision and staff stability. However, significant concerns persist regarding the inadequate provision for elderly and disabled prisoners, the protracted process for compassionate release, and the lack of specialist support and resettlement opportunities for IPP and other complex needs prisoners.

PRISON Key concerns

Peterborough (Women) (2020)

This annual report for HMP/YOI Peterborough (Women) highlights overall fair and humane treatment of prisoners, with a good regime offering ample time out of cell. Positive developments include improved safety resources, healthcare governance, and the successful rollout of the OMiC programme. Key concerns, however, persist regarding the lack of suitable accommodation on release, challenges in managing women with complex needs, and a significant rise in self-harm incidents.

PRISON Key concerns

Winchester (2020)

HMP/YOI Winchester made consistent progress in improving performance during a turbulent year, moving from 'serious concern' to 'concern'. The Board commended efforts in operational grip, cleanliness, and staff-prisoner interaction, alongside improvements in self-harm management and a new reception scheme. However, the dilapidated Victorian infrastructure, especially the CSU, posed significant safety and humane treatment challenges, while high rates of violence and issues with healthcare access due to staff shortages and escort availability remained key concerns.

PRISON Key concerns

Sudbury (2020)

HMP/YOI Sudbury, an open Category D resettlement prison, generally maintained a safe environment with low self-harm and violence rates during a challenging reporting year ending May 2020, impacted significantly by the COVID-19 pandemic. While the prison demonstrated strong commitment to family ties and successful accommodation on release, it faced considerable disruption in education provision and concerns regarding resettlement planning for prisoners with shorter sentences. The Board also highlighted issues around accessibility for disabled prisoners and the need for more robust policies for managing future public health crises.

PRISON Key concerns

Whatton (2025)

HMP Whatton, a Category C prison for sexual offenders, maintained an average population of 836. The IMB praised the safe environment, positive staff-prisoner relationships, and improvements in education and family contact. Key concerns include the persistent challenges faced by IPP prisoners, critical under-resourcing impacting the estate and services, and delays in transfers to Category D prisons. Outdated healthcare facilities and accessibility issues for prisoners with mobility problems also remain significant areas for development.

PRISON Key concerns

Sudbury (2020)

Prisoners with physical and mental health disabilities are sometimes disadvantaged, in terms of accessing employment and educational opportunities within the prison. How does the prison plan to address this?

Governor / Director

Manchester (2021)

The Board has also observed a case of a prisoner with learning difficulties and would like to clarify what the provisions are for such prisoners? The prisoner has learning difficulties and very low IQ and has been waiting for a suitable facility for over a year whilst being managed between healthcare and segregation units in the jail.

Governor / Director In Progress

Littlehey (2021)

The Board believes that appropriate accommodation for the aged and disabled prison population needs to be a significant consideration in the final decision of the replacement for G wing.

Ministry of Justice In Progress

Garth (2021)

There is a growing number of older prisoners, many of whom are in need of mobility and other aids. Presently there is confusion about who should provide these aids and this matter needs urgent attention because it impacts increasingly upon budgets.

HMPPS In Progress

Erlestoke (2021)

Will the Minister consider providing more facilities to meet the needs of those within the autistic spectrum, unsuitable for location in a normal prison environment?

Ministry of Justice In Progress

Birmingham (2021)

How will the Prison Service plan a more coordinated, consistent and fair system of recording and tracking provision for prisoners with autism and learning difficulties, and how will they ensure that staff are fully trained and competent at recognising, working and interacting with prisoners with these conditions?

HMPPS In Progress

Hewell (2022)

Continue to seek investment/funding opportunities to improve the physical building, in particular facilities for prisoners who have disabilities and accessibility needs.

Governor / Director In Progress

Foston Hall (2022)

Carers for disabled prisoners who need help to prepare for bed are unable to enter the establishment after 7pm (see paragraph 6.4.3)

Governor / Director

Erlestoke (2022)

How will the lack of suitably adapted cells for disabled people be addressed?

Governor / Director

Bedford (2022)

Facilities for disabled people in HMP Bedford are woefully lacking and as it deals with an ageing prison population, more cells will need to be adapted for disabilities.

HMPPS

Gartree (2023)

As the prison population continues to rise and age, the fabric of the buildings continues to cause problems with disability access for elderly and disabled prisoners. Even on Gartree’s dedicated over 50s wing, there are not enough cells large enough to accommodate all wheelchair access requirements and full accessibility. What alternative provisions for this population are being considered?

Ministry of Justice

Foston Hall (2023)

Disabled prisoners have not been able to access upper floor classrooms, which prevents their participation in the full range of education provision. When will there be a solution?

Governor / Director

Erlestoke (2023)

How will the lack of suitably adapted cells for disabled people be addressed?

Governor / Director

Durham (2024)

Last year we asked, ‘What plans does the Prison Service have to improve the number of accessible cells for ageing or disabled prisoners?’ What investment do you intend to make within a reasonable time scale to improve prison experience for disabled prisoners?

HMPPS In Progress

Ashfield (2024)

With the large number of elderly prisoners in the custodial estate (particularly in prisons such as Ashfield), cases of dementia and terminal illness requiring 24-hour care are increasing. The specific needs of these prisoners cannot be adequately met in normal prison conditions. What plans does the Prison Service have for addressing this issue through the creation of special custodial centres?

HMPPS

Stocken (2025)

With the ageing prison population, when are more cells suitable for those with disability or mobility issues going to be made available? Even on the new wing opened last year, there are no ‘disabled’ cells, only two ‘low mobility’ cells, which can’t accommodate a hospital bed.

HMPPS In Progress

Sudbury (2020)

Will the temporary single accommodation introduced as part of the COVID-19 measures be fully accessible?

Governor / Director

North Sea Camp (2020)

Address the fact that residents who use wheelchairs find it extremely difficult to obtain accommodation at Approved Premises.

HMPPS In Progress

Littlehey (2020)

When will the Prison Service build or adapt buildings and cells to make them suitable for those with disabilities and/or those with complex health needs who require specialist equipment?

HMPPS In Progress

Lancaster Farms (2020)

There is a lack of wheelchairs to support prisoners with reduced mobility accessing health care and other amenities. Certain cases have illustrated difficulties of working with external agencies for the support and potential release of those with palliative care needs (see paragraphs 8.5 and 8.9).

Governor / Director

Foston Hall (2020)

There is a need for a specific sentence planning route, and intervention pathway for prisoners with autism (see paragraph 4.4.2).

HMPPS In Progress

Winchester (2021)

What is the prison service’s plan to ensure that prisoners with mobility challenges have access to all parts of the prison, including the entrance and cells? (See sections 3.2, 4.1, 5.1).

HMPPS In Progress

Lancaster Farms (2021)

To review and increase the availability of wheelchairs for those prisoners with restricted mobility (paragraph 6.4.3).

Governor / Director

Frankland (2021)

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)?

Ministry of Justice In Progress

Brixton (2021)

Better living conditions appropriate for frail men and those with mobility impairments is urgently required.

HMPPS In Progress

Bristol (2021)

What initiatives – for example, training for prison staff – are planned to improve outcomes for prisoners with neurodivergent conditions, which, as we have observed and a recent review outlined, impacts their ability to engage?

Ministry of Justice

Wayland (2022)

The Board recommends that the concept of a buddy system within the prison for those prisoners who may be mobility-compromised or in need of a degree of personal care is researched and supported.

Governor / Director

Swaleside (2022)

The continued occupancy of the life limited room in healthcare by one paraplegic prisoner whose needs are different, whilst there are a number of other prisoners who qualify for the use of this room requires urgent resolution.

HMPPS Noted

North Sea Camp (2022)

There are some areas of the prison inaccessible to prisoners with physical disabilities, especially those who use wheelchairs.

Governor / Director

Long Lartin (2022)

Will the Prison Service provide assurance that prisoners who need to use wheelchairs will not be transferred in when no suitable cells are available?

HMPPS

Nottingham (2023)

To address, with all necessary agencies, the provision of services and accommodation for prisoners with disabilities.

Governor / Director

London STHF (2023)

The Board would like to see C&C staff trained to deal with wheelchair users, to ensure that detained people with disabilities have equal access to the facilities available in the holding rooms.

Other

Liverpool (2023)

There is a lack of accessible cells for prisoners with disabilities at HMP Liverpool. What action will the Prison Service take to ensure that prisoners with disabilities and accessibility needs have appropriate accommodation?

HMPPS In Progress

Lincoln (2023)

Given the issues associated with the Victorian infrastructure of the prison, what alternative provisions are being considered for the increasing numbers of frail elderly, particularly those with dementia, end of life care and disabled prisoners?

HMPPS In Progress

High Down (2023)

What can the prison do to improve accessibility for prisoners with mobility issues so they are able to access healthcare and exercise?

Governor / Director

Frankland (2023)

With the new band 6 dedicated neurodiversity support manager in position, when will there be an additional training programme to develop specialist wing staff to work with prisoners who have dementia and autism?

Governor / Director

Berwyn (2023)

The Board would like to see more programmes for people with learning difficulties.

Governor / Director

Woodhill (2024)

Will the Minister work with colleagues in the Department of Health and Social Care to address the needs of neurodiverse prisoners?

Ministry of Justice In Progress

Usk and Prescoed (2024)

How will the Minister address the issue of access to support for personal social care for the increasing number of prisoners with limited mobility and other disabilities?

Ministry of Justice In Progress

Thameside (2024)

While we acknowledge the current plans to ensure the houseblock lifts are repaired promptly, the lifts in the education block and chaplaincy building have not been prioritised during the reporting year. This has resulted in no access to these areas for some prisoners with mobility issues. How will the Director ensure that these prisoners are not excluded from using these …

Governor / Director Noted

Scotland and Northern Ireland Short-Term Holding Facilities (STHF) (2024)

We reiterate our recommendation that recommended upgrades following the Disability Access audit is implemented.

Other

Morton Hall (2024)

Can the Minister consider how to address the additional impact on the prison resource from the increase in the number of prisoners declaring a disability (5.4.6)? Will this be a priority for increased funding?

Ministry of Justice Implemented

London STHF (2024)

The Board would like to see C&C staff trained to deal with wheelchair users, to ensure that detained people with disabilities have equal access to the facilities available in the holding rooms as per the Equality Act 2010.

Other

Isle of Wight (2024)

What changes can be made to ensure there is a proactive, timely and robust system to identify and assess prisoner social care needs and ensure that prisoners understand they can self-refer?

Governor / Director

Gartree (2024)

As the age of the prison population continues to rise, the fabric of the buildings continue to cause problems with a lack of suitable access for elderly and disabled prisoners. What alternative provisions are being considered for this group of prisoners?

Ministry of Justice In Progress

Exeter (2024)

What arrangements are being made to manage an increasingly elderly and/or health-compromised population?

Governor / Director

Warren Hill (2025)

The IMB recognises that the age profile of the prisoner population is increasing. What is the Governor’s/HMPPS’s plan to accommodate elderly prisoners in a more purposeful way, including making physical adaptations to the prison to be age-friendly and ensuring appropriate care packages are in place for prisoners with social care needs?

HMPPS In Progress

Usk and Prescoed (2025)

The Minister should ensure that prisoners with limited mobility and other disabilities, particularly those who are frail or face mobility and cognitive challenges, receive timely and adequate social care, and ensure accountability for delivery is monitored.

Ministry of Justice In Progress

Norwich (2025)

Would the Governor please explain why statistics for prisoners identifying as having a disability are not analysed within use of force reports? 33% of prisoners within HMP/YOI Norwich identify as having a disability.

Governor / Director

Norwich (2025)

What action will the Governor take to ensure that prisoners with disabilities and older prisoners have the same access to jobs, education and gym as the other prisoners?

Governor / Director