An inspection at HMP Wayland, a category C men's training prison near Thetford, Norfolk, has found improvements in drug misuse services and healthcare, areas previously flagged as needing urgent attention. The new report from inspectors indicates that illicit drug use is low, with positive tests in 4% of cases against an 8% target, and drug support services have 'significantly improved'.
Healthcare, provided by private firm Serco, has also improved, with 46% of prisoners expressing satisfaction compared to 35% in the previous inspection. However, inspectors noted that the prison must improve its first night and induction procedures for new inmates.
Despite positive staff-prisoner relationships in some areas, too many officers were described as 'dismissive and disinterested'. The report also highlighted a lack of resources for diversity and equality issues, with black and minority ethnic inmates reporting they were treated 'particularly poorly' by staff.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Nick Hardwick said: 'These remain significant concerns and need to be dealt with as priorities. Budget reductions and management changes were having an impact and many staff were still in the process of adapting to new roles.' He added that maintaining and improving outcomes for prisoners under these circumstances was a real achievement.
Michael Spurr, chief executive of the National Offender Management Service, responded: 'I am pleased the chief inspector has recognised the improvements that have been made. I am confident the governor and his staff will work hard to address any concerns raised.'
