PRT comment: HMP Styal

Commenting on the findings of conditions at HMP Styal by HM Inspectorate of Prisons today (18 March) Pia Sinha, chief executive of the Prison Reform Trust, said:

“Yet again, the inspectorate has laid out the consequences of continuing to send severely mentally unwell women to prisons, where conditions are guaranteed only to further damage their health. The findings are stark, with the second highest self-harm rate among all women’s prisons. 39 women were sent to HMP Styal due to acute vulnerabilities and absence of specialised support in the community, and 30 women had been referred for transfer to hospital under the Mental Health Act.

“Whilst the report highlights commendable efforts from staff within the prison, including strong direction from the current senior leadership team, these are undermined by systemic failures, chronic understaffing and a prison ill-equipped to meet the complex needs of the women living there.”