The Opposition Justice critic is calling the situation facing inmates and correctional staff at Her Majesty’s Penitentiary a “crisis”.

Helen Conway-Ottenheimer says she was very disturbed by conditions at Her Majesty’s Penitentiary when she got a tour of the facility last week.

Conway-Ottenheimer, who has served as a criminal lawyer says she was moved after speaking directly with staff about their working conditions. She says over 70 per cent of the inmate population at HMP suffer from mental health issues and she’s calling for urgent replacement of the facility.

She says it isn’t equipped to address the challenges faced by inmates.

Conway-Ottenheimer commended staff who she says are doing what they can.