During an assessment under our new approach
Date of assessment: 10 and 11 November 2025. HMP Peterborough is a Category B prison. It is the only prison in England that holds both male and female prisoners, who are kept separate at all times. The prison accommodates up to 360 female prisoners and up to 944 male prisoners. The healthcare services are provided by Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.
In October 2024 we carried out a joint inspection with His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP), where we found breaches of regulation relating to safe care and treatment, and good governance. We issued an action plan request in relation to our concerns about the substance misuse service and mental health services.
The purpose of this focused assessment was to check if the provider was now meeting the relevant regulations. At this assessment, we assessed 4 quality statements across the safe, effective, and well-led key questions.
We found the service has made improvements and is no longer in breach of regulations.
- The frequency of observations for patients detoxing from alcohol and drugs now aligned with the provider’s policy and national guidance.
- An improved referral and triage system allowed more effective and timely oversight of patients awaiting a mental health assessment.
- Processes for identifying and following up on missed medicines had improved, and clinical records accurately documented the administration of a specific medicine.
- Governance arrangements had been strengthened, allowing managers to better identify gaps in service provision and explore opportunities for improvement and development.
We do not currently rate services provided in prisons. We highlight good practice and issues that service providers need to improve and take regulatory action as necessary.