Better end of life care needed at HMP The Verne says prison watchdog

In its 2023-24 annual report published on 18 February 2025, the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) for HMP The Verne has called for an end-of-life facility to be created within the prison, given the ageing population held there. In addition, the IMB recognises the urgent need for repairs to be carried out to various areas within the prison.

The Board notes that:

• There were repeated boiler failures during the reporting year that affected two residential wings and the healthcare unit. This had a significant impact on prisoners’ morale and wellbeing during periods of cold weather.
• The fabric of the building is in a very poor state, with rainwater leaking through the flat roof resulting in extensive amounts of mould in the prison.
• 33% of The Verne’s population is over the age of 60, which means that many of the men have complex health needs.
• Prison officers spent a total of 13,386 hours on bed watch duties, a large proportion of which was for terminally ill prisoners. These external duties were at the expense of other essential activities such as key work. The Board believes that an end-of-life care facility would make a positive contribution to the care of elderly prisoners and the regime within the prison.

However, despite the problems caused by deterioration in the fabric of the buildings, in the Board’s view The Verne continued to offer a safe environment for those detained there. The Board is particularly impressed by the work of the social care unit, which serves the needs of the more frail and elderly prisoners.

The Verne IMB co-Chairs said:

“One third of The Verne’s population is over the age of 60. From the Board’s observations, the new social care unit is doing a very good job supporting prisoners with more complex healthcare needs and Oxleas continues to provide excellent healthcare, despite the disruptions caused by the crumbling fabric of the building. The Board would welcome the provision of a dedicated end-of-life facility, which we feel would not only be a cost-effective addition to the existing provision, but provide sufficient care from appropriately trained medical staff to those with terminal illnesses.”