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 are working with the Scottish Government, Health Protection Scotland, our NHS colleagues and a range of other partners on a daily basis to manage the unprecedented challenges we are all now facing.
The SPS has robust pandemic plans in place which are implemented on a phased basis in response to escalation demands. 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, as well as those how may have been in contact with that individual.
DAILY COVID INFORMATION
As at Friday 16/04/2021 there are currently 121 individuals who are self-isolating across 5 establishments.
There are 12 confirmed cases 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.
A copy of our most recent letter to those in our care, providing an update on the outbreaks, is attached below for reference.
Update to those in custody February 2021
TIMETABLE FOR FURTHER LOCKDOWN EASING
Updated: 31 March 2021
We know that the last few months have been difficult and testing for many families across Scotland, with access to in person visits limited. We would like to remind you that compassionate visits, particularly for children, are taking place in all our establishments. If you would like to arrange a visit, please contact the establishment directly.
As restrictions are being gradually eased across the county, we have been looking at ways in which more in-person visits can take place. In planning for this, our key consideration has been to ensure that the changes we make are appropriate and safe.
We had hoped to have information available last week but unfortunately, this took longer than anticipated so please accept our apologies for any distress this may have caused.
We know that you will be anxious to see your loved ones in person again but threat of the virus has not gone away, so visits cannot simply return to ‘normal’. However, we do recognise the significant impact that the restrictions have had, and are having, and are pleased to announce that from 26 April 2021, access to in person visits will be available in all establishments.
The visit arrangements in place will be similar to those prior to this most recent lockdown with limits on numbers, social distancing and public health measures in place. More information on specific arrangements available in each establishment will be available on our website as soon as possible.
We make any adjustments we can to enhance the quality of these visits. Please do remember that these arrangements may be subject to change, at any time, depending on local or national circumstances.
IMPACT OF RECENT SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCEMENT ON THE SPS
6 January 2021
This continues to be a challenging time for everyone living and working in our prisons with the necessary regime restrictions in place to help prevent the spread of infection.
At this time, we have been advised that court business is continuing as normal, as are Parole Tribunals. We are also working to ensure that access to education, work, programmes and progression can continue where possible, however, this will need to be kept under review depending on local circumstances.
We have again reviewed our family visit arrangements and the current arrangements remain in place. Visits can take place, particularly where there are compassionate grounds. These can include;
- if you have any concerns about the wellbeing of an individual in our care;
- where the visit involves a child under 18 who is visiting a parent, grandparent or sibling; or
- where the visit involves an individual in our care who is under 18
The safety and wellbeing of all those living and working in our establishments remains our priority and, as such, individual establishments may put local measures in place in line with public health advice. Please contact your local establishment should you have any questions or concerns. Virtual visits continue to be available.
REVIEW OF FAMILY VISIT ARRANGEMENTS
17 December 2020
We recognise that this is a difficult time for those in our care as well as their families and friends and we are anxious to do all we can to allow family contact, particularly during this festive season. Virtual visits remain available in every establishment.
We have reviewed our family visit arrangements and we would like to remind you that visits can, and are, taking place in all our establishments, particularly where there are compassionate grounds for these visits.
The safety and wellbeing of all those living and working in our establishments remains our priority. As such, individual establishments may put local measures in place in line with public health advice. This may include a limit to the number of people in the visit room at any one time, or other restrictions.
However, compassionate visits to all establishments will be facilitated regardless of the area you live in.
Compassionate reasons may include;
- if you have any concerns about the wellbeing of an individual in our care;
- where the visit involves a child under 18 who is visiting a parent, grandparent or sibling; or
- where the visit involves an individual in our care who is under 18
We intend for these arrangements to be in place until early January 2021, when a further review will take place. Please remember that these arrangements may be subject to change, at any time, depending on local or national circumstances.
Please contact your local establishment via the normal visits booking arrangements if you have any questions or concerns. Contact details for each establishment are listed below. Virtual visits can also be booked via the normal process to any establishment in Scotland..
Establishment Family Contact Support Details
Visitor_Centre_Contact_Information
Virtual Vists Mythbusters
COVID Daily Update
As at Friday 09/04/2021 there are currently 101 individuals who are self-isolating across 5 establishments.
There are 14 confirmed cases 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.
A copy of our most recent letter to those in our care, providing an update on the outbreaks, is attached below for reference.
Please see the attached information that we are sharing with those in our care, if you have any questions please contact your establishment
Prisoner Communication February 2021
COVID Weekly Update
Friday 09 April 2021, Prison Population 7423
There are 14 confirmed cases of COVID amongst those in our care.
There are 101 individuals who are self-isolating in 6 different establishments. A significant number of these individuals are self-isolating due to potential contact with individuals who have tested positive.
We continue to work closely with Public Health colleagues in the relevant health boards in managing these cases.
Establishment
|
Number of individuals self-isolating*
|
Number of confirmed cases
|
HMP Addiewell
|
75
|
7
|
HMP Barlinnie
|
17
|
5
|
HMP& YOI Cornton Vale
|
0
|
0
|
HMP Dumfries
|
<5
|
0
|
HMP Edinburgh
|
5
|
<5
|
HMP Glenochil
|
0
|
0
|
HMP & YOI Grampian
|
0
|
0
|
HMP Greenock
|
0
|
0
|
HMP Inverness
|
0
|
0
|
HMP Kilmarnock
|
0
|
0
|
HMP Low Moss
|
<5
|
0
|
HMP Open Estate
|
0
|
0
|
HMP Perth
|
0
|
0
|
HMP & YOI Polmont
|
0
|
0
|
HMP Shotts
|
0
|
0
|
TOTAL
|
101
|
14
|
Weekly staff absence update
On Friday 09 April 2021 there were 451 members of staff absent across the SPS. This represents 10.0% of the total workforce.
In total 137 staff, 3.0% of the total workforce, are currently absent from their work specifically due to reasons related COVID-19. This includes those who are symptomatic, self-isolating, shielding or caring for family members.
42 of these staff, 0.9% of the total workforce, are reporting to be symptomatic.
FACE COVERINGS
Visitors (either private or official) are required to wear a face mask/covering from the time they enter the prison, throughout the duration of the visit and until they exit the building.
Visitors who advise that they have a health condition or a disability (including hidden disabilities, for example autism, dementia or a learning disability), which exempts them from wearing a face mask, will not be required to wear a face mask/covering. However, visitors who are exempt must advise the prison when booking the visit or prior to the visit taking place that they are exempt to allow the prison to put in place any necessary arrangements required to safely facilitate the visit.
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
PHYSICAL DISTANCING GUIDANCE
a
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)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
COVID-19 is impacting on all areas of life including those we care for in prisons and their families, our staff, partners and visitors. We have compiled answers to frequently asked questions which we hope you will find useful. Please click on the link below. These will be regularly updated to reflect the current situation.
Frequently Asked Questions (August 2020)
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 19 Prevention Awareness (NEW) February 2021
COVID Guidance for Suppliers and Contractors Updated September 2020
Face Mask and Face Coverings Guidance