HMP/YOI Deerbolt

What we found

Illicit drugs were too easily available, with the rate of positive random drug tests high. Evidence suggested violence was on a downward trajectory, but it was still the second highest rate of assault among comparator prisons and self-harm was the highest of similar jails. The over-restrictive and unreliable regime, as well as staff inexperience, frustrated prisoners. Many men were locked up during the working day, struggling to get to activities.

Points to note: Patients faced unacceptable barriers to receiving health care. They were not escorted to appointments, received medicines late and had clinics cancelled. A high number of medical emergencies caused by substance misuse compounded these problems.