The birth at Bandyup Women’s Prison in March 2018

On 11 March 2018, a woman in Bandyup Women’s Prison (Bandyup), who was 36 weeks pregnant, gave birth alone in her cell. Custodial officers and medical staff were observing through the cell hatch. To protect the mother’s privacy, we refer to her as ‘Amy’ throughout this review. Amy came into custody in the later stages …

(To protect the mother’s privacy, we refer to her as ‘Amy’ throughout this review.) There is not enough appropriate accommodation for women in the late stages of pregnancy The Department has failed to adequately plan for the large increase in the female prison population, especially for women in the late stages of pregnancy. There is …

(To protect the mother’s privacy, we refer to her as ‘Amy’ throughout this review.)  On 11 March 2018, Amy and her baby were put at unnecessary risk. This risk was not recognised by local staff or the Department. It was caused by cascading failures, predominately due to inaction and poor communication. These failures were compounded …

Recommendation 1 – Increase the accommodation for pregnant women and mothers at Bandyup Recommendation 2 – Build an infirmary in the women’s prison estate Recommendation 3 – Implement a strategy for addressing the culture at Bandyup to improve staff response to distress and pain management Recommendation 4 – Log all cell calls as required by …