Archived: Haverigg Prison

The original inspection in January had highlighted issues around prisoner information, equality and diversity work, clinical records, availability of mental health services and the safety and suitability of the healthcare premises and spaces available within the wider prison for treatment and consultation. An action plan submitted by the provider after our visit stated that these areas would be addressed prior to our return visit.

We found that some areas had been addressed and improvements had been made in information available, collaborative working, auditing and monitoring of clinical records and equality and diversity work had progressed. However we found that although there had been several meetings and work around long term solutions for the premises issue, no short term measures had been taken and there was no final agreement at the time of our visit for any more permanent solutions. This meant that the premises were still not fit for purpose and there had been no improvement in this area.

The environment was kept clean and hygienic and staff were following infection control procedures although there was a lack of resources and clarity about responsibility for cleaning some areas of the building. The medication was being handled and administered appropriately although some improvements were needed to ensure that errors were not made with regard to storage, breaches of confidentiality did not occur and controlled drugs were recorded appropriately.

The building supplied to healthcare services was not fit for purpose and had a direct impact on the ability to provide an appropriate, timely, safe and confidential service.

There were quality assurance and monitoring systems in place although some of these had not been utilised recently. Responses to complaints and incidents were thorough, factually based and appropriate. There were some systems in place to gather feedback from prisoners regarding the services provided and these were acted on.