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Inverness prison monitors call for review of cells for disabled prisoners


By Val Sweeney

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Independent monitors have asked Inverness Prison to look at disabilty provision.
Independent monitors have asked Inverness Prison to look at disabilty provision.

INVERNESS Prison has been asked to look at the suitability of cells for prisoners with disabilities following a visit by an independent team.

It also called for renewed focus in the coming months on its throughcare for those leaving the system and mental healthcare provision plus an assessment of the regime for remand prisoners.

The findings are highlighted in the latest quarterly report on the humane treatment and conditions at the prison.

Volunteer monitors reported the prison did well to deliver various elements of the regime despite the building's ageing fabric and were pleased to note that despite being on lockdown following an incident, staff ensured prisoners were still offered time outside in the fresh air.

The report also stated: "Independent prison monitors recently raised some concern over the in-cell arrangements for prisoners requiring additional support, in particular the positioning of the intercom and lack of emergency alarm cord.

"Senior management have responded to say that prisoners with additional support needs benefit from increased staff supervision and other forms of support.

"Where additional needs cannot be met by arrangements at the prison, the prisoner would usually be located at another prison."

The monitors welcomed prisoner involvement in a recent food survey resulting in changes to the menu and noted staff had provided guidance on how to make use of the Scottish Prison Service complaints system.

During a debate in Holyrood, Highlands and Islands Green MSP John Finnie thanked the volunteer monitors who are independent of prison authorities and whose reports help ensure prisoners are being effectively rehabilitated.

Seven monitors contributed to the most recent report on Inverness Prison.

“The work of volunteer prison monitors forms an important, but often underappreciated, part of our justice system," Mr Finnie said afterwards.

"The monitors serving in HMP Inverness help ensure that prisoners are treated with decency and that the process of rehabilitation remains at the top of the prison authorities agenda.

"I am deeply grateful to all prison monitors in Inverness, past and present, for their efforts.”

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