Hawke's Bay Regional Prison has implemented majority of Ombudsman recommendations

Hawke's Bay Regional Prison has implemented the majority of an Ombudsman's report recommendations. Photo/File

Hawke's Bay Regional Prison has implemented the majority of recommendations made in an Ombudsman's report last year.

The report, which was released in July by Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier following an unannounced inspection late 2016, made 37 recommendations for the prison.

It also highlighted some areas of serious concern in the high-security side of the prison as well aspects of good practice at the prison.

Hawke's Bay Regional Prison (HBRP) was the first prison to be inspected under a new set of standards developed as part of a more extensive monitoring programme on prisons.

The report stated there was clear and urgent need for the prison to address levels of violence and intimidation, particularly in the high-security units.

One recommendation to address this was that the prison develop anti-bullying and gang management strategies.

A further key concern was shortfalls in the provision of clean bedding and clothing for prisoners and many mattress covers were stained and mouldy.

Some prisoners in the high-security units were washing clothing in buckets on the wings.

Corrections chief custodial officer Neil Beales said most of the recommendations have now been completed.

"We welcomed the Ombudsman's report of Hawkes Bay Regional Prison in July last year.

"The report acknowledged the many positive aspects of the work being done at HBRP, as well as highlighted areas where improvements could be made.

"I'm pleased to see that the vast majority of these have now been closed."

The site has developed and implemented an anti-bullying strategy which aligns with Corrections' national violence reduction strategy and the Whole of Government Gang Action Plan, he said.

About 200 new mattresses and a bulk order of clothing has also arrived on site and new washing machines have been installed in the high security areas so prisoners are able to wash their own clothing.

The prison is continuing to make positive progress on the recommendations which remain open, Mr Beales said.

Read the report here:

Report on an unannounced inspection of Hawke's Bay Regional Prison Under the Crimes of Torture Act 1989.

Results from completed recommendations:

•The wait list for dental care has been reduced by more than 50 per cent.

•Additional tutors have been added to the youth unit to support access to education programmes for prisoners in the youth units.

•A first night induction process has been implemented.

•Additional staff have been rostered to assist with prisoner property duties and have successfully reduced the waiting time for prisoners to access their property.

•Secondary assurance checks have been completed for nurses issuing controlled medication and the site is complying with Corrections' Health Services Medication Standards.