HMP Wandsworth suicide: Watchdog repeats emergency procedure concerns

Concerns have been reiterated regarding emergency response protocols at HMP Wandsworth after a prisoner, Aktar Uddin, died by suicide on Christmas Day 2021. A Prisons and Probation Ombudsman report highlighted that it remained unclear when an emergency 'code blue' was initiated after Mr Uddin, 35, was discovered unresponsive at the South London prison.

An inquest concluded that government-imposed Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures (TPIMs) had a 'substantial impact' on Mr Uddin's mental state. These restrictions included limitations on his finances and the mandatory wearing of an electronic tag. He was imprisoned for breaching these conditions.

Inquest findings and ombudsman report

Mr Uddin, who had been convicted of terrorism offences, was transferred to HMP Wandsworth in January 2020. On December 25, 2021, prison staff noticed he had blocked his cell's observation panel around 4.20am. Upon forcing entry, they found him unresponsive. The report stated that while officers attempted to breach the barricaded door, no 'code blue' was called. Entry was gained at approximately 4.26am, at which point an ambulance was summoned. Resuscitation attempts by staff and paramedics were unsuccessful, and Mr Uddin was pronounced dead at 5.10am.

The ombudsman's investigation found no evidence that staff could have reasonably predicted Mr Uddin's actions, as he was not considered at a significantly higher or imminent risk of suicide. However, the report noted that while witness accounts suggested a 'code blue' was eventually called, its timing was not recorded in the control room log. The ombudsman stated that this lack of clarity, while unlikely to have altered the outcome for Mr Uddin, could be critical in different emergency situations. The report indicated that recommendations had been made to Wandsworth prison regarding this issue, and expressed disappointment at having to repeat these concerns.

In response to the incident, the prison governor issued notices to staff reminding them of the necessity to use emergency medical codes. A Prison Service spokesperson confirmed that the ombudsman's recommendations have been accepted and that actions have been taken. These include strengthening emergency response procedures and enhancing staff training, as part of broader reforms to improve prison safety and security.