Overcrowding and mental health issues dominate the 2002 report on Winchester Prison.

The Board of Visitors cite the steady rise in prison population, from 371 to 535, as a primary concern. Prisoner numbers in the women's unit, West Hill, rose from 66 to 87 during the year.

The independent report highlights the high numbers of prisoners awaiting deportation. Many have done their time, but have had to wait for appeals to be heard.

"Many are self-harmers and require a lot of extra supervision by staff already stretched to capacity."

Staff ability to deal with mental health problems also comes under scrutiny. "We remain concerned by the increasing number of mentally-disturbed inmates for whom prison is totally unsuited," says the report.

Other worries include too few officers present when inmates socialise, the practice of giving released prisoners transparent bags to carry their "worldly goods" and delays in the healthcare centre.

The board is also concerned about "the excessive time taken to investigate the cases which have led to the suspension of any member of staff".

An officer, accused of helping an inmate, William Todd, escape in December 2001, only returned to work in February after a police probe and two internal inquiries.

However, the board praised pioneering schemes: the custody to work project has resulted in 79 inmates being housed after their release and 212 jobs being found or saved, says the report.