Distressed and vulnerable: prison used as a ‘place of safety’ for acutely unwell women

A growing number of women experiencing severe mental health crises are being held in Bronzefield prison under the label of ‘place of safety’, due to a shortage of beds in psychiatric hospitals. This practice exacerbates the mental distress of already vulnerable women, says the Independent Monitoring Board for the prison in its 2023-24 annual report (published 29 November 2024).

The Bronzefield IMB notes that:

• The number of women sent to HMP/YOI Bronzefield under the Mental Health Act increased by over 110% during the last reporting year and continues to put considerable stress on the prison’s mental health services.
• The shortage of beds in secure psychiatric hospitals, together with in-fighting among NHS health trusts over funding, continues to result in significant delays in transferring women from prison to hospital.
• The incidence of self-harm remained high during the year, and a large proportion of this can be attributed to those requiring admission to a secure hospital.

However, the Board was pleased to report that:

• In spite of the challenges faced, a high level of commitment and dedication from healthcare staff was observed throughout the reporting year. Additionally, the appointment of a mental health practitioner with specific responsibility for healthcare has been widely welcomed.

IMB Bronzefield Chair, said:

“The Board is deeply concerned that HMP/YOI Bronzefield is increasingly being used as a place of last resort for acutely mentally unwell women. Housing such women in a prison environment often exacerbates their conditions and risks compromising their dignity, health, and safety. Whilst the Board observed high levels of commitment and dedication from staff, prisons are not equipped, nor were they ever intended to provide specialist mental healthcare.”