HMP Berwyn praised for making improvements during pandemic

HM Inspectorate of Prisons inspectors assessed the category C training prison, with the result being released in a report on Tuesday.

The document said said those inspecting the prison found a strong leadership team providing decent outcomes, but said improvement was needed in purposeful activity and rehabilitation and release planning. 

READ MORE: HMP Berwyn is 'competently run, but needs improvement' say inspectors

It added there continued to be staff shortages, which affected the delivery of some key services in health care, purposeful activity, and resettlement and release.

And while the rate of self-harm was described as high, leaders had responded to this and it had been falling for the last six months - it was stated.

Geoff Ryall-Harvey, chief officer at the North Wales Community Health Council, said: "I think the prison suffers from the issue of recruitment of health service staff and specialist nurses, which is difficult across North Wales and the UK, and isn't unique to Berwyn.

HMP Berwyn (Image: Staff)

"The improvement in health at the prison is really good. I think they have done well in the circumstances - we have had two and a half years of covid so it is good that they have been able to improve in that situation.

"If you look at all the covid outbreaks in hospitals around Wales, it was difficult for them - and that was in a clinical setting.

"So again, I think Berwyn has done well in managing the threat of covid.

"The self harm issues are very sad, but perhaps not surprising given the mental health need within the prison.

"Most people in there have multiple issues."