This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Edinburgh Prison report
14/03/2007
Most of the concerns about Edinburgh Prison raised in last year's inspection report have been resolved, according to the Chief Inspector of Prisons' follow-up report published today.
Dr Andrew McLellan's report, which describes a follow up inspection in October 2006, welcomes the fact that:
- An excellent new building, housing the reception, kitchen, laundry and workplaces has opened
- The condition of furniture, bedding and clothing has improved for remand prisoners
- The introduction of integrated case management has been well managed
However the report also highlights that:
- Remand prisoners have little to do
- An increasing number of prisoners suffer serious mental health problems
- Tension and disagreements are caused by the fact that some long-term prisoners are still required to share cells
Dr McLellan said:
"Edinburgh Prison has maintained many of the strengths identified in my previous inspection report. The prison remains safe, decent and clean.
"Moreover, this report also shows that the prison has addressed most of the recommendations made following a full inspection in August 2005.
"Significant among these is the refurbishment of Glenesk Hall, where remand prisoners are held. These prisoners are often in prison for very short periods of time and usually show much less care for their cells and surroundings. Their cells therefore need constant refurbishment. The conditions for remand prisoners are now better than they were last year. However, there is little for them to do, resulting in them spending very long hours locked in their cells, especially at weekends.
"I was also concerned to find that there appears to be an increasing number of people with a serious mental illness being detained in HMP Edinburgh. At the time of inspection the appointment of a second mental health nurse was anticipated. But the demands placed upon prison services and staff by people with severe mental health problems are great. This theme is emerging in several prisons.
"With these kinds of deep-rooted problems in evidence, it was particularly encouraging to find that strong partnerships with community agencies and organisations have been built.
"Meanwhile, one of the greatest sources of tension is the fact that long-term prisoners are regularly forced to share cells. The new house-block has 66 cells designed for two prisoners and at the time of the inspection, most were holding two people. This provokes noticeable anger among long-term prisoners.
"With refurbishment ongoing at Edinburgh Prison there is also a tangible sense of anticipation about what the future will hold. A new activities building is under development and I join in that sense of anticipation in the hope that it will provide exciting new opportunities for remand prisoners to find positive occupations. We can decrease the likelihood of people returning to the prison gates if we foster their dignity rather than leave them to boredom."