Prison shower changes ordered after woman's death

The prisoner had been found unconscious in her cell at HMP Foston

The government has been urged to remove fixed shower rails from prisons across the country following the death of an inmate.

An inquest jury ruled in April that Yasmin Adams, 25, took her own life at HMP Foston Hall in Derbyshire in November 2016.

Now, a report into the failings which contributed to her death has been issued by Derby and Derbyshire coroner Peter Nieto.

It calls on the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) to review the prison estate to remove any fixed shower rails in cells and other shower areas where prisoners may be out of sight as they present “a clear risk”.

HMP Foston Hall no longer has such rails installed.

History of self-harm

Other recommendations have been made by Mr Nieto, who ruled that staff at the prison had not carried out regular enough checks on Adams.

Adams, who was serving a second jail sentence at the time of her death for carrying a knife in public, had a history of self-harm and was diagnosed with emotionally unstable personality disorder.

She had been referred to a psychiatrist to see if a secure mental health placement would be more appropriate but it was ruled she did not meet the criteria.

Adams was confined to her cell due to her behaviour and had attempted to take her own life once already that morning.

Adams was serving a second jail term when she took her own life

The Prevention of Future Deaths report said the prisoner had appeared “unsettled” after losing her TV and table, and had pressed her cell’s call bell repeatedly.

She was meant to be observed four times an hour, but it had been 29 minutes between observations when she was found unconscious.

She was given CPR and taken to hospital where she died the following day.

Mr Nieto also found not enough training had been provided on personality disorders and learning disabilities, and that Adams was held in confinement in an inappropriate cell.

A Prison Service spokesperson said: “Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Yasmin Adams.

“We will consider the coroner’s findings carefully and respond to the Prevention of Future Deaths report in due course.”

Follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail] or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.