STAFF have been praised for improvements at the Verne- but still face a ‘continuous and difficult battle’ against drug use.

The Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) has today published its second report since the establishment became an Immigration Removal Centre in 2014.

The board ‘commends the IRC staff for their transition from prison to IRC’- but it still has ‘serious concerns’ which it has passed on to the Minister for Immigration.

The report says: ‘The large numbers of men transported during the night to The Verne remains a problem. The detention of men with serious mental health issues is another concern although we believe this is part of the national problem of too few in-patient mental health beds.

‘The Verne, like most other IRC’s and Prisons has seen a rise in the use of illegal drugs, in particular new psycho-active substances (NPS’s) and staff and the substance misuse team, fight a continual battle to keep these to a minimum.’ Other concerns are: - Very ill detainees on a food and fluid refusal protest have been refused admission to hospital in-patient care as they are deemed to be patients who are refusing treatment of any kind. The Verne however does not have a suitable care suite where these men can be properly looked after - There is urgent need for late evening clinically indicated dispensing of medication - The Care and Separation Unit is not a fit place to hold detainees with serious mental health issues, those on food and fluid refusal or with suspected Tuberculosis - Professional Counselling services should be offered when required - The IMB at The Verne are currently not permitted to access Rule 35 reports and is therefore, unable to monitor their quality - Part way through the reporting period Tascor became non-compliant with their agreed contract requirement to provide hospital escorts and bed-watches - The often considerable delay in obtaining maintenance services provided by Carillion (who have recently taken over from an efficient ‘in-house’ provision) - Little progress has been made in identifying an area for a cultural kitchen. However detainees of various nationalities do assist with the preparation of menus and foods at special festival times celebrated within their culture (P13; 5.8.1.4).

- Because of the rural location of The Verne a ‘virtual visits’ or Skype system should be available (in the visits area) to offset the paucity of actual visits The Verne holds 580 men, of 65 nationalities.

One incident highlighted in the report was the death of a detainee last August. Although the upset was upsetting, staff were praised for dealing with it ‘in an efficient and professional manner’, working well together and being ‘supportive’ of one another.

Several cultural events have taken place throughout the year which have been ‘a huge success’ and The Verne ‘has excellent educational and vocational facilities where the detainees can undertake short courses which will assist them in finding employment for the future.’ The Home Office has been contacted for a statement.