HMP Chelmsford

Date of assessment: 2 to 10 February 2026. This included a site visit between 2 and 4 February 2026.

HMP YOI Chelmsford is a local Category B male adult and young offenders institution. The prison is located in the city of Chelmsford, England and accommodates approximately 700 adult prisoners and young offenders. The healthcare services are provided by HCRG Care Services Ltd.

We carried out this focused assessment in response to information of concern. We assessed 9 quality statements over the safe, effective, responsive and well-led key questions.

We found:

• Incidents and complaints were not always consistently recorded, reviewed or monitored.
• There was no formal or reliable safety‑netting system in place to make sure tasks, scanning and referrals were reviewed and acted on.
• Medicines management was mostly positive. However, some records about patients’ medicines were not always complete, and medicines and equipment were not always monitored to ensure their safety and effectiveness.
• Improvements were underway towards the response to patient emergencies, including a review of emergency bags and changes to communication practices.
• There were positive initiatives to identify people’s needs and provide holistic support for their health and wellbeing. Patients with diagnosed and undiagnosed neurodiversity needs received tailored support.
• Safe staffing levels were not consistently maintained because shortages were not accurately recorded.
• Staff recruitment checks were mostly completed in accordance with regulation but there were some gaps. There was a programme of learning and development for all staff.
• Patients did not always receive care and treatment that was assessed and regularly reviewed to ensure it met their health and well-being needs.
• Patients did not always have access to care, support and treatment they need when they need it.
• There was limited communication with patients about their appointment requests and ongoing care. However, there were plans to improve communication and access to information, including in-cell technology.
• Governance systems were not effectively identifying, assessing and addressing the full range of risks.
• Records were not always accurate, complete and contemporaneous in respect of each service user.
• Feedback from both healthcare staff and prison officers was consistently poor about staffing levels for healthcare, and the impact this had on team morale.
• There were indications of a closed culture. Concerns raised were not always recorded, responded to or addressed.
• The provider was aware of some of its challenges and were making improvements. They were responsive to our inspection concerns.

We found 2 breaches of regulation. We issued warning notices to HCRG Care Services Ltd for failing to meet the regulations concerning safe care and treatment, and good governance.

We do not currently rate services provided in prisons. We highlight good practice, identify areas requiring improvement, and take regulatory action where necessary.