End-of-life facility needed at Portland's HMP The Verne say inspectors
The IMB says the prison has an aging population
Inspectors have called for HMP The Verne on Portland to have an end-of-life facility created on site.
An annual report by the Independent Monitoring Board, published today (Tuesday 18th February), says changes are needed due to an aging population at the prison.
33% of the inmates there are over the age of 60, and many have complex health needs.
The report's also found that:
• There were repeated boiler failures during the reporting year that affected two residential wings and the healthcare unit. This had a significant impact on prisoners’ morale and wellbeing during periods of cold weather
• The fabric of the building is in a very poor state, with rainwater leaking through the flat roof resulting in extensive amounts of mould in the prison
• Prison officers spent a total of 13,386 hours on bed watch duties, a large proportion of which was for terminally ill prisoners.
Inspectors have said bed watch duties meant officers weren't able to carry out other essential activities, like key work with prisoners.
The Board thinks having an end-of-life care facility would make a positive contribution to the care of elderly prisoners and the regime within the prison.
But they've said overall, The Verne continues to offer a safe environment for those detained there.
They've also highlighted the work of the social care unit on site, which serves the needs of the more frail and elderly prisoners.
The Verne IMB co-Chairs said:
“One third of The Verne’s population is over the age of 60. From the Board’s observations, the new social care unit is doing a very good job supporting prisoners with more complex healthcare needs and Oxleas continues to provide excellent healthcare, despite the disruptions caused by the crumbling fabric of the building.
"The Board would welcome the provision of a dedicated end-of-life facility, which we feel would not only be a cost-effective addition to the existing provision, but provide sufficient care from appropriately trained medical staff to those with terminal illnesses.”