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© Copyright, Independent Monitoring Boards 2025.

Prisoners with disabilities struggling to access basic necessities at HMP High Down

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HMP High Down

An increase in the number of older prisoners at HMP High Down has highlighted issues with access to healthcare and regime for those with mobility issues, says the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) in its 2024 annual report, published today (20 May 2025).

The Board notes that:

  • The ageing population has resulted in a greater need for social and palliative care provision within the prison. The Board expresses concerns over how this can be managed humanely.
  • Neither of the two blocks that house a higher proportion of prisoners with accessibility needs has a lift, and there are limited access ramps in place. The Board remains concerned about the challenges these prisoners face in accessing healthcare, showers, exercise, and purposeful activity.
  • Despite raising the issue in its previous two reports, the Board is disappointed that prisoners with acute mental illnesses continue to be held in the Care, Separation and Reintegration Unit (CSRU) despite being medically assessed as unfit to be segregated. One prisoner waited 132 days for transfer to a secure mental health facility. 

However, the Board also highlights that:

  • Staff at HMP High Down continue to work hard to provide prisoners with opportunities to maintain family connections, with a good number of family days run throughout the year.
  • The enhanced living units within the prison received positive feedback from prisoners. The Board is pleased that there are plans for more of these units to be created.

IMB High Down Chair said:

“The increased number of older prisoners at HMP High Down has raised several concerns for us as a Board. They can face challenges in accessing support, as well as practical difficulties like getting to healthcare appointments or even to the serveries to collect food. Palliative care provision is also becoming a necessity, which is difficult to manage humanely and can be upsetting for staff and prisoners alike. We would welcome a more suitable environment for end-of-life care to be provided.”