A recent report has found that women in serious mental distress are being sent to Bronzefield Prison in Ashford instead of hospitals.

It says the prison’s small healthcare unit is always full, and many women wait months for proper treatment.

The Independent Monitoring Board warns that prison can make their mental health worse.

An HMP Bronzefield spokesperson says they “fully acknowledge the challenges highlighted by the IMB” and are working closely with healthcare staff “to keep prisoners in our care safe.”

FOR BLOGGER:
An HMP Bronzefield spokesperson said: “We always welcome comments from the IMB and their annual report and are pleased that the outstanding work led by our staff is being recognised. The health and safety of our staff and prisoners is our priority, and we continuously monitor how we can improve. We fully acknowledge the challenges highlighted by the IMB due to the increase in mentally unwell women remanded into the prison. However, whilst they await spaces becoming available in appropriate secure hospitals, we are continuing to work very closely with our commissioned healthcare provider to support ongoing improvements and to keep prisoners in our care safe.”