Sodexo

Coronavirus (Covid-19)

HMP Addiewell – Website Homepage – updated Tuesday 30 March 2021

We know that the last few months have been difficult and frustrating for many across Scotland, especially with access to social prison visits limited. We would like to say a huge thanks for the incredible patience and resilience you’ve demonstrated.

As restrictions are being gradually eased across the country, we have been looking at ways in which some social visits can take place. In planning for this, our key consideration has, and will always be, to ensure that the changes we make are both appropriate and safe. In working towards Scottish Government announced timescales for easing of restrictions we are cautiously planning towards being able to fully open our social visits on or around the 26 April.

We know that you will be anxious to see your loved ones in person again; but the threat of coronavirus has not gone away, and so visits cannot simply return to ‘normal’. Whilst that light in this long tunnel may still seem some way away, I want to take this opportunity to remind everyone that we are still offering social visits in exceptional circumstances and we particularly welcome the opportunity to support families with children.

Please note: Any plans may be subject to change, at any time, depending on local or national circumstances.

What you need to know about the social visits that are available now:

We’re doing everything we can to make the visit process as straightforward as possible. However, visits will continue to be a little different and please remember that these are not normal times; and these arrangements may be subject to change, at any time, depending upon local or national circumstances.

Below is a reminder of the important points that you need to be aware of – all in place to ensure we comply with the Scottish Government requirements to be able to offer social visits and keep you, your loved one and our staff safe. Please make sure that you read these carefully so that you know what to expect when you come to the prison.

 

• Visits must be booked by residents using our internal booking procedure – they will be provided with a selection of visit dates and times to choose from.
• We can only allow a maximum of 3 visitors per visit, including children. Furthermore, all visitors must be from the same household.
• When you arrive, all visitors (adults and children) will have thier temperature taken using a non-contact thermometer. This is to make sure that we minimise the risk to our residents from anyone potentially coming into the prison with any Covid-19 symptoms.
• You will be required to wear a face mask from the time you arrive at the prison, throughout the duration of the visit and until you exit the building. Face masks will be provided to all visitors. The exception to this is children under the age of five.
• All visitors (aged 12 and over) will need to adhere to the 2 metre physical distancing guidance. This means between you and your loved one and also between you and any other individuals accompanying you but who are not part of your family unit.
• You will not be permitted to have any physical contact with the resident you are visiting – that includes hugging, kissing, shaking hands and so on. The only exception to this rule is for children under 12 – they do not need to physically distance with anyone at the table, including the resident. We know this will be very hard, but we must obey the government guidance to keep both you and your loved ones safe.
• All visitors will need to remain seated during their visit, including children. Please bear this in mind when planning a visit to the prison.
• There is no waiting area available in the visits centre. Please arrive 20 minutes ahead of your scheduled visit.

Full details of what to expect are available on our 'Visiting the prison' page.

I hope that you understand that all of the restrictions that remain in place are to keep everyone safe and healthy. As soon as it’s safe to do so, we will facilitate broader access to social visits. In the meantime, please also remember that virtual visits are still available, and I would encourage you to make use of this technology.

Thank you for your support and understanding over the past few months. It has certainly been a trying time for everyone. I hope that you are able to see your loved one very soon and that it will provide you with some comfort to see them safe and well.

 

Fraser Munro

Director