Sodexo

Latest information for families

Cases of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 are rising rapidly, posing a significant risk to prisons where such viruses can spread extremely quickly. It is important that prisons respond to help delay and slow the spread, reducing any negative impact it may have, including pressure on the NHS.

As a result, regrettably all prisons are reverting to Stage 3 of the prisons Covid-19 Recovery Framework – this is being implemented in all establishments across the country.

The aim of this move is to reduce the amount of people mixing between different cohorts or wings. Minimising this mixing will help us to control the virus, enabling us to respond quickly should any cases be identified and to close down any outbreak.

We have worked hard to limit the impact of this change, making adjustments to minimise mixing of groups such as delivering education on the wings and the gym being used by one wing at a time, allowing for appropriate cleaning in between sessions. Unfortunately we are unable to offer in-person faith services, but alternative methods of worship will be provided by our Chaplaincy team.

We will continue to offer social visits to help support the essential links with loved ones - please note that all visitors must complete an LFD Covid-19 test prior to their visit. Purple Visits video calls are also available for those unable to attend the prison in person.

Our primary focus remains on safeguarding the health and wellbeing of everyone within the prison.

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.