In a deeply troubling incident, two female inmates have died within days of each other at HMP Foston Hall in Derbyshire, prompting urgent investigations by authorities.
The first woman, whose identity has not yet been disclosed, was found unresponsive in her cell on September 5, 2024. Despite immediate medical intervention, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Just three days later, on September 8, 2024, a second prisoner was discovered in a critical condition. Prison staff and emergency services attempted resuscitation, but she too succumbed to her injuries.
Mounting Concerns Over Prison Conditions
These back-to-back tragedies have reignited debates about inmate welfare in UK prisons. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice confirmed both deaths are being investigated by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman.
HMP Foston Hall, a category C closed women's prison, has faced scrutiny in recent years over:
- Staffing shortages
- Mental health provision
- Overcrowding concerns
Families Demand Answers
Relatives of both deceased women have been notified, though formal identification procedures are still underway. Prison reform advocates have called for:
- Immediate review of safeguarding procedures
- Increased mental health support
- Transparent reporting of prison conditions
A Prison Service spokesperson stated: "Our thoughts are with the families of those who have died. We take all deaths in custody extremely seriously and are cooperating fully with the investigations."
