Prisoners 'passing out' from heat in cells as UK hit with another 34C heatwave

Reports have emerged of inmates "passing out" amidst the heatwave conditions at a UK prison, sparking fears for their safety and wellbeing among their partners.

Partners of two prisoners at Altcourse Prison in Fazakerley, Liverpool allege that the prison isn't adequately utilising ventilation to keep the cells cool. As another heatwave is set to hit this weekend, they partners are growing increasingly worried about the health of their incarcerated loved ones.

The prison is run by private firm Sodexo, who assured the ECHO that they've implemented measures to aid prisoners during the sweltering weather. However, this doesn't align with the perspective of some with family members inside Altcourse. One woman voiced her "deep concern" over what she termed as the "inhumane conditions currently being endured by prisoners" amidst the ongoing heatwave.

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She alleged that prisoners were confined to their cells for extended durations with air vents shut, thereby blocking airflow during "dangerously high temperatures." She said: "These conditions are not only cruel but potentially life-threatening. There have already been incidents of inmates collapsing over the last few weeks due to extreme heat exhaustion.", reports the Liverpool Echo.

She even hinted that prison staff themselves have been grumbling about the stifling heat and the conditions. The partner further stated: "No matter what crimes individuals have committed, they are still human beings." They remarked: "The denial of basic ventilation during extreme weather is not just a violation of human rights - it's a public health crisis in the making."

Another partner of an Altcourse prisoner has come forward, voicing her worries about her partner's wellbeing and safety behind bars. She shared: "There have been ongoing issues with the vents in the cells which make the air flow. I don't think they have been working for months but obviously this has become a big issue now with the weather and the cells are extremely hot.

"My partner has been desperately trying to order a fan for his cell, but that hasn't happened. He said his cellmate passed out at one point because of the heat.

"My partner is currently having to lie on a wet towel on the floor as his only way to keep cool in his cell. He said there is no other way of cooling down. He said it feels like a sauna and he has got really bad prickly heat. I think this is against their human rights, they have a right to be able to stay cool in there."

They continued: "Some days my partner says he finds it difficult to breathe. He is really suffering and so are others."

A representative for HMP Altcourse responded: "We appreciate that periods of hot weather can be difficult in prisons, and we have put in place measures to make sure that everyone has as much support as possible within the normal prison routine. This includes additional steps around increased ventilation and time in less confined areas.