Problems with prisoners getting hold of menstrual products behind bars must be resolved as a “matter of urgency”, inspectors have said.
There were several areas of good practice at Peterborough women’s prison, according to chief inspector of prisons Charlie Taylor, but he raised some concerns.
His latest inspection report said: “Many women reported that there were difficulties in ordering menstrual care products and delays in receiving them, which was unacceptable and needed to be resolved as a matter of urgency.”
It added that inmates had “repeatedly” told inspectors about the problems and, while calling for action to be taken, added: “Women should have ready access to menstrual care products, soap and hand sanitiser.”
The prison, inspected in March, is run by Sodexo and holds around 300 adult and young women ranging from inmates on remand to those serving life sentences.
Inspectors also highlighted the impact coronavirus restrictions were having on the inmates.
Mr Taylor said: “Women repeatedly described the debilitating impact that being locked in a cell for about 23 hours every day was having and the toll it was taking on their mental health and emotional wellbeing.
“Some even told us they had considered suicide, although what we found was a prison that was safe, calm and well-ordered.”
In 2019 the Government changed the law so anyone in custody who is menstruating is offered period products free of charge.
