§ Mr. MullinTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the recommendations made by Sir Donald Acheson in his report on special secure units indicating which have been implemented; and if he will make a statement. [11098]
§ Ms QuinSir Donald Acheson's report contained nine recommendations. Action has been taken on these as follows
1. Given the short duration of the present regime, it is premature to come to a firm conclusion on its impact on prisoners' health. We therefore advise that the general health of prisoners detained in special secure units (SSUs) be reviewed at regular intervals, taking into account their degree of susceptibility to psychological symptoms.Response
The SSU Operating Standards have been amended to require that medical officers should undertake formal reviews of the health of prisoners detained in SSUs every three months.143W2. A standard set of procedures applicable to all SSUs should be devised, circulated to all parties and enforced to ensure the most expeditious transfer of prisoners requiring emergency treatment to National Health Service hospitals.Response
The Operating Standards have been amended to emphasise the importance of prompt action.3. SSUs should be provided with the same level of first aid and emergency aid equipment as other wings in the prison. Personnel trained in using this equipment should be on duty in the SSU at all times.Response
Healthcare in SSUs is comparable to that elsewhere in the Prison Service. Arrangements exist to ensure that first aid be administered immediately to prisoners in SSUs.4. Prisoners should be held in SSUs for as short a period as possible.Response
This is existing policy.5. Prisoners should be informed when their cases are coming before the SSU committee and be given the opportunity to submit written representations. When feasible, an indication as to how long prisoners will be required to stay in the SSU system should be given.Response
This is existing policy.6. Sentence planning should be introduced as with other long term prisoners.Response
The overriding consideration is determining the length of time a prisoner spends in a special unit must be security. However, the Operating Standards have been amended to provide that regular reviews are undertaken of prisoners' behaviour, attitude and other relevant issues. Review arrangements ensure that the necessary information is collected on the prisoner to inform my future sentencing planning.7. More opportunities for mental stimulation and physical exercise should be provided, including the provision of meaningful activity.Response
This is existing policy. Opportunities for constructive activity have increased.8. It is the unanimous view of the group that, in the interests of health, prisoners in the SSUs should have access to open visits with members of their immediate family. We believe that it should be possible for the Prison Service to devise visits which prevent the passage of unauthorised items whilst at the same time retaining the advantages to the prisoners of physical contact possible only in open visits. Given the logistics involved in conducting secure open visits, it is for the Prison Service to determine their frequency and management.Response
This recommendation has not been accepted although the policy is under review.9. Staff should be encouraged to form relationships with prisoners, yet remain sufficiently detached to maintain objectivity and resist being compromised.Response
This is existing policy.