Serial killer Rose West, 72, is reportedly "on her last legs" as her health deteriorates sharply at HMP New Hall, a high-security prison in West Yorkshire. West has been imprisoned for 31 years, and her condition is said to be so severe that she would be unable to evacuate unaided in the event of a fire or other emergency.
Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan
A source told the Mirror that West has been placed on a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) owing to her worsening health. The Sun reports that West is in a "really bad way" and can "barely move".
A source told the paper: "The fact she has this PEEP in place shows what a poor state her health is in. Having a PEEP is extremely rare and officers only use them for those in the most danger if there is an emergency."
A PEEP is a protocol designed to ensure that prison staff can safely evacuate inmates whose disabilities or health conditions may hinder their ability to leave the building during a fire or similar crisis.
Health and Daily Life
The Sun's source added: "And people have been talking about how West is on her last legs and does not have long left because of her health. She cannot leave her wing and is also resigned to dying in jail."
They continued: "She cannot really move unaided and has to be protected by staff. She rarely goes outside and cannot go to the gym or take part in activities like yoga. All she can do really is watch telly and read as she rots away in her cell."
West was sentenced to life imprisonment in 1995 after she assisted her husband Fred in the murder of at least nine people between 1967 and 1987 at their Gloucester home. Fred, who buried many of their victims at their "House of Horrors", took his own life in 1995 while awaiting trial at the age of 53.
Prison Conditions and Diet
West has been held at New Hall since 2019, following her transfer from Low Newton prison in Durham. Her deteriorating health emerges as prisoners at New Hall have raised concerns about weight gain while incarcerated, according to the Mirror.
A recent report revealed that inmates transferred from other establishments found the meals provided were excessively "carb heavy". Representatives from the Independent Monitoring Board reported that the catering manager had been instructed to develop "healthier and more nutritionally balanced meals".
Several years ago, West was reportedly placed on a diet by prison medical staff after being classified as "dangerously overweight". She had reached 18 stone, maintaining an unhealthy regime of cake, crisps and chocolate while in custody.
A Prison Service spokesman stated: "Rose West's crimes were horrific, and she will rightly spend the rest of her life behind bars."
