Prison
Cat IRC
Key Concerns Identified
Positive Findings
North and Midlands Short Term Holding Facilities
IMB Annual Report 2022 · Published 8 June 2022
This IMB annual report for North & Midlands Short-Term Holding Facilities highlights ongoing concerns regarding healthcare provision, particularly the lack of access to prescribed medication and the absence of full-time medical professionals in most facilities. The Board's ability to monitor airside holding rooms remains compromised by issues with airport passes. Despite these challenges, the Board observed humane and dignified treatment of detainees by staff.
Positive Findings
The facilities generally provide a safe environment for detained individuals, with inductions carried out with humanity and dignity. The Board has observed detainees being treated humanely, professionally, and with courtesy by Care & Custody officers. Manchester Residential STHF received letters of appreciation regarding treatment, and transfers between facilities are handled with dignity.
Key Concerns
Healthcare
Repeated
Detained individuals are still being denied access to their prescribed medication while in holding rooms, and the Home Office's proposed solution has been slow to materialise.
Healthcare
Only Manchester RSTHF has a medical professional on duty full time; all other facilities need to rely on services of the National Health ambulance service if medical advice is needed, which adds pressure to the ambulance service.
Other
Repeated
The Board has not had access to airside areas at Manchester and Birmingham Airports for the whole of 2021 due to persistent issues with the issuance of airside passes, preventing unannounced visits.
Other
The Board remains under-strength, and there is concern that delays in the ministerial appointment of new members, following a planned recruitment campaign, will compromise the Board's viability.
Board Commentary
Healthcare
The Board is concerned about the ongoing denial of access to prescribed medication for detained individuals in holding rooms and reporting centres, urging the Home Office to expedite a solution. Only Manchester RSTHF has a full-time medical professional; other facilities rely on ambulance services for medical advice, which the Board deems unsatisfactory and an added pressure on the NHS.
Regime & Daily Life
Most holding rooms lack natural light, and some have no ventilation or provision for exercise. Facilities provide varying amenities such as televisions, reading materials, and, in some cases, computer access. Manchester RSTHF offers an outdoor area for fresh air. Communication options include payphones or mobile phones provided by DCOs.
Recommendations (5)
Home Office: 4
Other: 1
2 repeated
Recommendation 1
Repeated
Prev. unaddressed
For the fourth year in succession, the Board repeats its concern at the lack of proper procedures which would allow DCOs or other qualified personnel to provide detained individuals with access to their prescribed medication. The Board continues to note that the welfare of detained individuals has been adversely affected by this situation. This occurs particularly in holding rooms and reporting centres. The Board understands that a process has begun to address this issue but is disappointed as to the amount of time that is being taken to solve this problem.
Home Office
Healthcare
Recommendation 2
Repeated
Prev. unaddressed
The Board, while in discussions with the Home Office and the Secretariat regarding the issuance of airside passes for access to airports within our area, understands that the CAA has issued a directive nominating the IMB as a compliance authority which will allow the Secretariat to process those applications. Due to the bureaucracy within each airport’s management system regarding the issuance of airside passes, the Secretariat is in the process of setting up and assigning resources to ensure that they become the body nationally capable of applying for airside passes at all airports within the United Kingdom. A national solution needs to be found and the Board therefore urges the minister to use their influence with national airport authorities in expediting this matter.
Home Office
Other
Recommendation 3
The Board intends to instigate a recruitment campaign Q4 or Q1 2022, and upon completion will be making recommendations for appointment. The Board seeks assurance from the minister that those recommended will be appointed without delay, otherwise the viability of the board will be compromised.
Home Office
Other
Recommendation 4
Continue the constructive engagement with the Board and continue to attend the monthly meetings.
Home Office
Other
Recommendation 5
Continue the constructive engagement with the Board and continue to attend the monthly meetings.
Other
(other)
Other