COVID-19 Information Hub

                     

The safety and wellbeing of those living and working in our prisons is a priority for the Scottish Prison Service (SPS). We have a robust Transition Plan in place as we move out of the Pandemic phase; bringing prison COVID-19 guidance more closely in line with guidance for the wider community. We continue to follow public health advice, which means that anyone in our care who displays symptoms of the virus will be asked to self-isolate.

 

WEEKLY COVID INFORMATION

As of Monday 29/05/2023 there are currently 10 individuals who are self-isolating across 1 establishment. A number of individuals are self-isolating due to potential contact with a confirmed case.

There is 0 confirmed case of COVID amongst those in our care.

 

We continue to work closely with Public Health colleagues in the relevant health boards in managing these cases.

 

UPDATES TO VISITING GUIDANCE

01 July 2022

 

All visitors on entry to the prison must complete a COVID triage questionnaire. If visitors answer ‘yes’ to any of the questions, they will not be permitted to attend the visit. The questionnaire asks:


·         Have you tested positive for COVID in the last 5 days?

·         Do you have any of the following symptoms?

o   High temperature or fever

o   New, continuous cough

o   Loss or alteration to taste or smell


Visiting Times


Visiting times may have changed and differ between establishments. Information regarding local visiting times and arrangements can be found here.



Face Masks/Coverings


Face masks are no longer mandatory however we strongly encourage all visitors over the age of 12 years of age, unless exempt, to wear one on entering the prison and until seated in the visit area.

Face masks are available in each establishment for visitors, staff and people in prison to wear, if they wish to do so.


 

Hygiene


Rules around hand washing and use of hand sanitiser should continue to be observed by all visitors. Hand sanitisers will be available both at the entrance to the prison and within the visit area. Where possible hand sanitiser will be available at the table, but where this is not possible, hand sanitiser dispensers will be in place within the visit area. Visitors will not be permitted to wear disposable gloves during their visit.



Physical Distancing


Physical distancing is no longer mandatory. If visitors wish to continue social distancing, they may do so.

Please note, physical distancing measures may be reintroduced as a precautionary measure in times where there are positive cases within the establishment.



Visiting Group Size


Visiting group sizes are now permitted as a maximum of 3 adults plus children, however this may vary between establishments. More information can be found here.



Refreshments


Visitors and people in custody are permitted to eat or drink while seated during the visit.

Antibacterial/antiviral wipes will be made available beside the vending machines to allow cleaning by the visitor between uses.


Refreshment facilities may vary between establishments; more information can be found here.



Paying in Money


We remain unable to accept cash payments made in person.


The preferred, easiest and quickest means for paying in money to people in custody in SPS establishments remains through online bank transfer with use of the Online Bank Transfer Reference Generator. Money is transferred from your own personal banking app and not via a Government or SPS website. Instructions on how to do so are available here. International money cannot be transferred using this service and can only be sent in the mail.


Cash sent via Royal Mail is also accepted. If you intend to send cash in the mail, please refer to Royal Mail for guidance, and note that this may take slightly longer to process. However, the most secure method of paying in money remains through online bank transfer.

 

Please note:

·       There is a limit of £50 per prisoner, per day, any amounts exceeding this will be returned to the sender(s).

·       Funds will be rejected if the information within the reference is incorrect.

·       SPS will endeavour to return rejected within  10 working days of receipt.

·       SPS cannot accept international payment or payments for HMPs Addiewell and Kilmarnock


 

Establishment Family Contact Support Details

Visitor Centre Contact Information

Visiting Guidance by Establishment - July 2022

Virtual Visits Mythbusters

Online Bank Transfers

 

 

PUBLICATION OF SPS' COVID 19 ROUTE MAP


The SPS is pleased to publish our COVID 19 Route Map which is guided by the Scottish Government's own plan. This plan represents a series of connected, and carefully controlled steps which will be taken to ensure that SPS can move forward, whilst acknowledging the measures we will have to continue to take, such as physical distancing and handwashing to help prevent the spread of the virus or further outbreaks occurring. The SPS will continue to be subject to scrutiny by the independent Inspectorate of Prisons in Scotland and to be accountable to Parliament.

The plan, and underpinning Physical Distancing guidance, focus on the transition from Phase 1 to Phase 2 and from Phase 2 to Phase 3.

Our organisational progress and establishment regime development is premised on:

a) having the appropriate level of staff resource available to safely make these changes for all who live, work and visit our prison estate; and

b) having a full suite of health and safety assessments which underpin safe working. 

Based on this approach, it may be the case that the SPS will have to move at a different pace from wider society. We will provide more detailed guidance around key dates and what they mean in due  course. Please  note that the Route Map is a dynamic document subject to flex dependent upon changes in guidance and advice.

SPS COVID 19 ROUTE MAP

SPS COVID ROUTE MAP EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

       


PUBLICATION OF DATA

 

Early Release Data

The Coronavirus (Scotland) Act 2020 provides new powers for the early release of a specific class of prisoners held in Scottish prisons. Our Early Release Tranche 1, 2 & 3 Reports are available via the links below.

ER Tranche 1 Report

ER Tranche 1 Report Tables (Excel)

ER Tranche 2 Report

ER Tranche 2 Report - Tables

ER Tranche 3 Report

ER Tranche 3 Report - Tables (Excel)

 


INFORMATION FOR SUPPLIERS AND CONTACTORS

Any contractor, supplier or external partner carrying out essential work within, or delivering essential supplies to, our establishments shall, in terms of their health and safety relating to the Covid-19 pandemic, be safeguarded on an equal basis as SPS employees.

The SPS is applying the same social distancing principles that you will find in any public environment, as advised and guided by Health Protection Scotland.

The guidance document below has been produced to provide important information and advice for non-SPS staff entering our establishments.

COVID Guidance for Suppliers and Contractors Updated September 2020