A HEALTH chief has said he was "saddened" to hear more dementia and Alzheimer's training is needed amongst HMP Berwyn staff.

The prison's Independent Monitoring Board released its annual report this week, covering the period of March 2021 to February this year.

Its main area for development addressed to Governor Nick Leader is to develop staff skills in dealing with "dementia and other age-related needs."

The document explains: "All operational staff must have mental health training, much of which is online.

"Refresher training is available and additional training can be accessed through multiple sources.

"Staff who had been interviewed by the Board felt they need more training in mental health, personality disorders and Alzheimer’s – as there are more older prisoners in the establishment.

READ MORE: HMP Berwyn praised for making improvements during pandemic

"95 per cent of older prisoners who were surveyed also asked for staff training in dementia.

"As the prison population ages, the board would like to see training for staff on recognising and dealing with dementia and other age-related needs."

Geoff Ryall-Harvey, chief officer at the North Wales Community Health Council, praised the jail this week for its handling of covid-19 restrictions and being able to make improvements during the difficulties of the pandemic.

But on the matter of dementia and Alzheimer's training, he said: "[I am] saddened to hear this – I do not believe that people with a confirmed diagnosis of dementia in any of its forms should be in prison. 

"At that point they are beyond what a prison environment can offer and they need specialist end of life care."

A Prison Service spokesman said: "Violence and self-harm at HMP Berwyn are down and we are boosting staff numbers through a pioneering scheme aimed at recruiting graduates into the prison service.

“We are confident more rehabilitation work will be carried out by the prison now that restrictions put in place to keep staff and prisoners safe during the pandemic have been lifted.”

Huw Owen, Senior Influencing Officer for Alzheimer’s Society Cymru, said: “Around 50,000 people in Wales are living with dementia and too many are facing it alone. The likelihood of developing dementia increases significantly with age.

“The number of over fifties in prison is increasing so dementia is an issue that demands attention and action. Although diagnosis rates are low, dementia might actually be more widespread as people enter the prison system who are undiagnosed and are not being detected.

“While it’s fundamental that quality social care is available to everyone in prison who needs it, we also need to get better at identifying people with dementia so they can get the support they need. It’s really important that staff can access specialist dementia training, so they are equipped with the right skills and knowledge to support prisoners living with dementia.   

“It’s encouraging to see the Independent Monitoring Board considering dementia training for staff as part of its health care provision for HMP Berwyn.

“Alzheimer’s Society Cymru is here for anyone affected by dementia. If you need information or support visit alzheimers.org.uk”