State Custody related deaths

Noted (AI summary) • A common, local protocol for managing those suspected to be under the influence of illicit substances (UTI) at HMP Bedford has been agreed and implemented with the Prison Governor and Head of Safety. • The protocol clearly articulates the roles, responsibilities, and expectations of both healthcare and prison staff in the identification, assessment, and management of those suspected to be UTI. • The protocol makes it clear when prison staff should escalate to healthcare staff and states that healthcare staff are responsible for taking the lead on • HMP Bedford and NHFT carried out a joint review of the UTI policies and protocols in place, resulting in the removal of any previous conflicting guidance and implementation of a single UTI protocol. • The updated protocol has been issued to all prison and healthcare staff through structured briefings, written notices, daily meeting updates, and daily checks. • A newly appointed substance misuse lead carries out daily assurance and visits all suspected UTI cases, ensuring consistency between operational and healthcare colleagues and consistent adherence to the UTI protocol.

Noted (AI summary) • HMP Pentonville has introduced a digital induction passport to consolidate key risk information from paper records into a secure electronic format. • The prison has appointed a Head of Early Days with specific responsibility for the reception function, who is leading a comprehensive review of reception procedures. • The group safety team conducts regular early days exercises, which replicate a prisoner’s arrival and induction experience.

Noted (AI summary) HMPPS acknowledges the coroner's concerns regarding differences in operational practice between police custody and HMPPS PECS, particularly regarding toilet visits and searching. They state that current HMPPS policies are grounded in safety, proportionality, legality, and respect for decency and dignity and no changes to policy or PECS operating procedures are proposed.