Brook House Immigration Removal Centre

What we found

Violence and self-harm had risen since the last inspection, and an influx of ex-prisoners had created instability. Detainees were being held for longer which increased the level of need and frustration. Almost half of those surveyed said they had mental health problems and 35% said they had felt suicidal while at the centre, yet health care provision was inadequate. Not enough was being done to tackle the ingress of illicit drugs.

Points to note: There had been a drive to improve the range of activities. Welfare work remained good, but it was understaffed, and in the past year at least 20 detainees had been released homeless. An active Home Office team had increased its contact and communication with detainees.