A HARD hitting report, which emerged this week, has slammed a women's prison near Bromsgrove, drawing attention to many problem areas including suicide attempts, cell fires and the shortage of staff.

The Board of Visitors report on HMS Brockhill in Tardebigge drew attention to the fact that the prison, which holds 159 inmates, would be more economic, efficient and effective in meeting the Prison Service's own standards if a new prison was built to replace it.

The report, which covered July 2000 to June 2001, commented on all areas of the prison -- from security to the canteen -- found problems with the majority of things, but did highlight how most of the staff were very conscientious, caring and dedicated.

Training is not up-to-date for breakaway, hostage, resuscitation and first aid problems, and the Board's officers were concerned that nurses were carrying out triage without the appropriate qualifications.

A number of the metal catches of many of the windows were broken and, being obsolete, cannot be replaced, and other windows won't close in the prison because of many layers of paint on the catches and exfoliation of the metal frames. Security was also highlighted as a problem area, despite there being no escapes or temporary release failures this year.

Assaults have averaged at four and drug related incidents at three per month and the Segregation Unit which usually houses the two most mentally disturbed inmates is said to be highly unsatisfactory.

The Governor of Brockhill prison, Dawn Elaine, who took up the post earlier this year, said: "I have been struck by the dedication of the majority of the staff here. Considerable investment has been pledged and we are working hard and effectively towards achieving our improvement plans."