Prison
Cat women's, YOI
Key Concerns Identified
Positive Findings
New Hall
IMB Annual Report 2020 · Published 11 November 2020
HMP/YOI New Hall received a generally positive assessment from the IMB for the reporting year ending February 2020, with prisoners treated fairly and humanely. The report highlighted improvements such as reduced self-harm, the introduction of in-cell telephony, and an outstanding education success rate of 96.69%. Key concerns, however, included long waits for mental health transfers, insufficient staffing and resources for vulnerable prisoners, and persistent issues with property transfer and resettlement accommodation.
Positive Findings
The Board found that residents were treated fairly and humanely and were generally well-prepared for release. Improvements included a new gym floor, shower upgrades, building repairs, and the introduction of in-cell telephony. The prison successfully reduced self-harm incidents, improved reporting processes, and saw a reduction in the use of force. The approach to Equality and Diversity was embedded, with successful Pride in Prison and Black History Month events. Healthcare achieved a 90%+ recommendation rate from residents and ran a successful Hepatitis C testing program. Education provision was outstanding with a 96.69% success rate and high learner satisfaction, providing sufficient opportunities for 100% of the population. ROTL success was maintained at 100%, and good relationships with Probation and CRC providers supported resettlement. The St Giles House service was commended for securing accommodation, and Resettlement Days provided valuable support to prisoners prior to release, including efforts to secure employment with national employers like Greggs. Family Days were regularly arranged to maintain vital family contact.
Key Concerns
Mental Health
The Prison Service needs to address the issue of residents with severe mental health problems waiting long periods of time in prison before transferring to more appropriate accommodation elsewhere.
Staffing
Healthcare provision should be consistently delivered and sufficient staffing levels maintained to ensure the safety and well-being of prison staff and residents alike.
Staffing
Current resources are grossly inadequate to ensure the effective management of those who reside and work on Holly House.
Mental Health
The IMB remain concerned that not enough is being done to address issues of Mental Health prior to women being sent to prison.
Estate/Conditions
In addition, the buildings and fabric of the prison should not be allowed to fall below their current levels without redress. There can be lengthy delays in repairing or replacing faulty equipment [in the kitchen].
Other
The Prison Service needs to address and introduce a more robust process to ensure that prisoners and their property are not separated during prison transfers.
Other
Repeated
Transportation of women to New Hall being a problem then and this remains so now. A woman can appear in court twenty miles from the prison and then endure a six to seven hour journey to the establishment. ...residents will frequently arrive in the late evening, tired and stressed. Late arrivals may also have to wait until the following morning for any medical needs.
Equality/Diversity
In October 2019, the Equalities Officer was hospitalised and unfortunately no work was done with any of the groups during her absence. Also throughout the year prior to this, regime requirements caused her to be frequently deployed elsewhere. The response by management was disappointing.
Complaints/Property
The DIRF Scrutiny Panel which should meet quarterly has not now been convened since November 2018.
Complaints/Property
Although generally very open to seeking the views of residents, the complaints process requires some attention. The apparent lack of timely feedback to written concerns (which many residents view as formal complaints) feature heavily in Applications to the IMB.
Regime/Time Out of Cell
Budgetary issues during the reporting period have impacted on education service provision. There is always frustration when classes are cancelled or residents are faced with regime restrictions. Some residents who remain on the Wings due to a lack of classes and also because of the restricted numbers who can attend.
Resettlement/Release
There remains ongoing issues in relation to the timeliness of service provided by HOIE in relation to progressing the cases of those who have been identified as ‘of interest’ to and liable to Deportation by HOIE. ... the need to keep people in custody beyond their release date.
Resettlement/Release
Accommodation is limited and often hard to find, particularly if the resident is a repeat offender.
Substance Misuse
Concerns relating to the trading and accompanying bullying and trading of vaping paraphernalia.
Board Commentary
Staffing
The Board noted that long periods behind closed doors, sometimes due to staff shortages and escort detail, affect residents' well-being. It recommended that healthcare provision maintain sufficient staffing levels for both staff and resident safety. Concerns were raised about the Equalities Officer being frequently deployed elsewhere, leading to groups not meeting, and the need for additional staff to run more Family Days.
Healthcare
Healthcare provision generally received positive feedback, with a dedicated psychiatrist and integrated mental health team. However, the Board highlighted that residents with severe mental health problems face long waits for transfers to more appropriate accommodation. The complaints process required attention due to a lack of timely feedback, and the pharmacy department bore the brunt of many concerns. Despite these issues, the staff team was recognised for working extremely hard in a stressful environment, and the service successfully ran a Hepatitis C testing and treatment program for the prison population.
Regime & Daily Life
Long periods behind closed doors, often due to staff shortages, impact residents' physical and mental well-being. Classes and work opportunities were occasionally cancelled or restricted due to regime requirements, causing frustration and impacting teaching times. Some residents remained on wings due to a lack of classes or restricted attendance numbers. The working week for activities runs Monday to Friday mornings.
Recommendations (4)
Governor / Director: 1
Ministry of Justice: 2
HMPPS: 1
Recommendation 1
Healthcare provision should be consistently delivered and sufficient staffing levels maintained to ensure the safety and well-being of prison staff and residents alike.
Governor / Director
Healthcare
Recommendation 2
The Prison Service needs to address the issue of residents with severe mental health problems waiting long periods of time in prison before transferring to more appropriate accommodation elsewhere.
Ministry of Justice
Mental Health
Recommendation 3
In addition, the buildings and fabric of the prison should not be allowed to fall below their current levels without redress.
Ministry of Justice
Estate
Recommendation 4
The Prison Service needs to address and introduce a more robust process to ensure that prisoners and their property are not separated during prison transfers.
HMPPS
Other
Other IMB Reports for New Hall
PPO Fatal Incidents
Prisons and Probation Ombudsman fatal incident investigations for this establishment.