Report of the Inquiry into the circumstances of the Death of Bernard ...

23.33 I list below significant changes in arrangements at HMP Manchester that relate to
specific problems in 1998 that have been identified in this report. In some cases
Manchester’s arrangements reflect a national policy; in others a local initiative. It is
outside the scope of the inquiry to evaluate how far current practice at Manchester
prison achieves its aims. That is for those who are responsible for managing and
monitoring the prison.
Findings
23.34 From evidence given to the inquiry, I note the following significant changes in
arrangements at Manchester relating to specific problems identified in this report:
In accordance with Prison Service policy on segregation and adjudications, a risk
assessment is now conducted before a prisoner is placed in cellular confinement
There is a dedicated mental health nurse for the segregation unit at Manchester
prison. This accords with good practice as recommended by the clinical adviser
to the inquiry.
Medical records are held electronically and accessible by authorised clinical staff
from terminals, though not yet in the segregation unit.
Manchester prison operates the ACCT arrangements which are a significant
advance on the F2052SH system. The local policy includes, in particular, a
Friends and Family Helpline, systems for responding to concerns about a
prisoners, and questionnaires to prisoners after an ACCT plan is closed.
The wing based disciplinary system was abolished in October 1999.
Full statements of the circumstances are required and reviewed by managers
whenever staff restrain a prisoner by force.
Recommendation
22.35 I recommend that
the Governor of Manchester and his colleagues:
- examine each stage of the process of vetting Samaritan volunteers and
selecting Listeners to identify and eliminate any avoidable delays
- ensure that Listeners can be made available in all locations at any time of day
or night
- make provision for prisoners to use the Samaritans telephone in private.
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