SEVENTEEN Haverigg Prison inmates were found under the influence of psychoactive substances on a single day during a “mass intoxication”.

That revelation comes today as the independent monitoring board (IMB) for Cumbria’s only jail publishes its latest annual report.

That report reveals continuing concern about the impact of widespread use of psychoactive substances - not only on those addicted to use, but on the general prison population, staff and the overall regime.

In a statement, an IMB spokesman says: “It is disturbing to note in two reports from the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman that psychoactive substances may have been a contributory factor in two deaths in custody which occurred during the year within weeks of each other.

“Near fatalities in the latter half of the year have only been prevented by the swift and effective action of officers and healthcare staff.

“Increased surveillance systems initially disrupted the supply chain of illicit drugs into the prison, but access to psychoactive substances resumed, despite the best efforts of the management.”

IMB chair Lynne Chambers said: “The Board has observed on a weekly and sometimes daily basis, the effects of the use of illicit substances, and on one day in November, when 17 prisoners were found to be under the influence of psychoactive substances in a ‘mass intoxication’.

“The impact on the populations of South and West Cumbria of the concentration of North West ambulances at the prison throughout that day is likely to have been significant.”

The spokesman continued: “Although tackling the use of psychoactive substances and other illicit substances has, necessarily, been of high priority throughout the reporting year, the Board has, nonetheless, observed the good progress and positive impact of the rehabilitative culture initiative on the prison population.”

The IMB has concluded that prisoners are treated fairly.

It concludes that the prison continues to have an emphasis on humane treatment and has “regularly observed sensitive and respectful interaction between staff and prisoners”.

“However, there have been occasions when some prisoners have had to endure unacceptable and adverse living conditions,” one key finding states.

In addition, the IMB had received a large number of applications from prisoners relating to sentence management. Of these, a third concerned preparations for release, including accommodation, approved premises, bank accounts, support services and medication.

However, another key finding stated: “The Board is concerned that a lack of preparation and resources to support prisoners in the community after release may increase the risk of re-offending.”