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Reports published 17 August

Published:

HMP Five Wells

Type of inspection: Full inspection

Dates of inspection: 11–21 May 2026

Summary of findings: The prison had made real progress, with improvement evident in clear and visible leadership, better staff-prisoner relationships, and significantly reduced levels of violence between younger prisoners. The extensive use of prisoner peer workers contributed to the supportive culture of the jail. However, concerns persisted about high levels of self-harm, the lack of spaces in education and work, and insufficient work to prepare men for release.

Points to note: Health care was an area of particular concern. There were long waits to see a doctor or dentist, patients with serious mental illness waited too long for a secure hospital bed, and some patients faced delays accessing community hospital appointments.

Read the report: HMP Five Wells