The prison was re-purposed in 2014 to become a sex offender only facility and the population has changed considerably since then with 40 per cent of prisoners over the age of 50 and 22 per cent disabled.

The report highlights that complex case reviews, an essential feature for a prison with 88%of the population serving ten years or more, continue to be an “excellent management tool” and speak to genuinely multi-disciplinary approach throughout the prison.

The report coincides with the publication of new Ministry of Justice data showing that the prison is hitting the majority of targets and is operating at the second highest level possible.   

Director at HMP Rye Hill, Richard Stedman said:

“I am encouraged that today’s report recognises the commitment and hard work of our dedicated and professional staff group who work to rehabilitate some very challenging offenders.  While a large proportion of our population are serving long sentences, the majority will be released and we are resolutely focused on ensuring that their time at Rye Hill will help to reduce the risk they pose to the public on release.”

The report also notes that healthcare provision remains a concern, but that a new clinical manager has improved services at the prison.

Chief Operating Officer for G4S Healthcare, Emma Moore, said:

“Today’s report rightly acknowledges the work we still have left to do to ensure that healthcare services meet the complex needs of Rye Hill’s prison population.  Less than a fifth of all prisoners in Rye Hill have been registered previously with a general practitioner (GP) which means our team often has to start from scratch to fully understand their medical history.  In the context of an older population where 22 per cent also have a disability, this can bring considerable challenges.

“We are working very closely with local partner agencies to improve provision and address the two remaining Care Quality Commission (CQC) notices.  I am confident that the recruitment of our new clinical manager and efforts to fill the remaining vacancies will see the service further improve.”