Prison
Cat D, YOI
Key Concerns Identified
Positive Findings
Hatfield
IMB Annual Report 2022 · Published 19 December 2022
HMP/YOI Hatfield, a Category D resettlement prison, was found to be a safe environment with no recorded self-harm, staff assaults, or prisoner assaults during the reporting year. The prison demonstrated excellence in work and education provision, achieving high employment rates on release, and healthcare was well-managed. However, significant concerns persist regarding the poor and unhygienic condition of ablution facilities across both sites and the lack of funding for their essential refurbishment.
Positive Findings
The Board found Hatfield and The Lakes to be safe environments for both prisoners and staff, with no recorded assaults or self-harm incidents during the reporting year. Physical and mental healthcare is well-managed and accessible. The prison excels in providing work and education opportunities, achieving the highest rates across the estate for securing permanent employment on release. Strong leadership and staff commitment have maintained high morale and positive working practices, contributing to positive staff-prisoner relationships and low IMB applications.
Key Concerns
Estate/Conditions
Repeated
The condition of the showers/washrooms is a cause for concern. The IMB has monitored the state of these facilities which, in their opinion, are not of an acceptable standard. The showers at the Lakes are of continuing concern as again a number of showers can often be out of order. The floor and wall tiles are cracked and the grouting is black.
Estate/Conditions
Regularly a number of toilets on each floor of the units on the main site are out of order and the urinals are cracked and smell. The hot water in the wash hand basins and the showers is often scalding and on some occasions is non-existent.
Estate/Conditions
The problem [of ablution facility maintenance] is compounded by the Lakes works department being managed by the adjacent HMP Lindholme. Staff consistently report these issues, but the Lakes does not appear to be a priority. The heating in the Lakes is also controlled by this prison.
Healthcare
There was some delay in appointments for hospital outpatient referrals and routine outpatient follow-ups, with a two-week wait for urgent/emergency appointments.
Board Commentary
Staffing
The Governor and staff demonstrated hard work and commitment during a challenging year, maintaining high morale and motivation. Prisoners acknowledged the positive impact of strong leadership. Relationships between staff and prisoners are very positive, contributing to problems being resolved internally before IMB involvement. Currently, there is one vacancy for a staff nurse in the healthcare team.
Healthcare
Healthcare provision by Practice Plus Group is well-managed and accessible across both sites, operating Monday to Friday with no in-patient services. The Board observed good provision, low 'did not attend' rates, and effective throughcare arrangements for release. There were no incidents of suicide or self-harm. The substance misuse service is comprehensive and praised for its recovery focus and collaboration with other departments.
Regime & Daily Life
Despite pandemic challenges, Hatfield aimed to maintain as close to a normal regime as possible, ensuring safety. This included sustaining education and workshop provisions and enabling a significant number of prisoners (50+) to work in the community. The gym was largely functional, with diverse programs offered. Face-to-face learning fully recommenced, and work opportunities, particularly external paid employment, have increased significantly.
Applications to the IMB
Prisoners can apply to their IMB about any aspect of their treatment. This table shows application counts by category.
| Category | Current | Previous | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finance, including pay, private monies, spends | 1 | 1 | — |
| Total number of applications | 4 | 1 |
Recommendations (1)
HMPPS: 1
1 repeated
Recommendation 1
Repeated
Whilst the new accommodation to replace units D and E is being completed, could funding be allocated for the refurbishment of the ablution facilities?
HMPPS
Estate
Other IMB Reports for Hatfield
HMIP Inspections
Recent inspections by HM Inspectorate of Prisons for this establishment.
15 Jul 2024
Unannounced
Safety: 4
Respect: 4
Activity: 4
Release: 4
PPO Fatal Incidents
Prisons and Probation Ombudsman fatal incident investigations for this establishment.