Report on HM Prison Noranside

HM Inspectorate of Prisons for Scotland 1998

15. POINTS OF NOTE

15.1 Issues to be considered by SPS HQ

15.1.1 There should be a review of sentence planning records and the procedures for the passage of information between establishments (paragraph 6.10).

15.2 Issues to be taken up with the Governor on subsequent visits by the Inspectorate

15.2.1 Disciplinary awards for prisoners failing a drugs test should be consistent with SPS guidelines (paragraph 3.7).

15.2.2 Prisoners should be given a clearer understanding of the likely consequences for day paroles and home leaves following any serious breaches of discipline (paragraph 3.8).

15.2.3 Consideration should be given to the carrying out of a review of the way that the Staff Drug Team operates with the aim of providing clear protocols and guidelines for the work that the Team is expected to undertake (paragraph 4.21).

15.2.4 Steps should be taken to provide adequate drying facilities for prisoners’ clothing (paragraph 5.15).

15.2.5 There should be a review of the recreation facilities on offer with the aim of extending their provision to bring them more into line with what might reasonably be expected in an open establishment (paragraph 5.17).

15.2.6 Waterproof clothing should be provided for all prisoners required to work out of doors (paragraph 6.28).

15.2.7 There should be a review of the procedures for prisoners who wish to go on runs outwith the establishment (paragraph 6.40).

15.2.8 There should be a review of the PE staffing arrangements with the aim of having the gymnasium open for longer periods on a more regular basis (paragraph 6.41).

15.2.9 Management should give priority to addressing the problems regarding the lack of formal mechanisms to monitor and evaluate the work of the Social Work Unit and the lack of the Unit’s involvement in any formal multi-disciplinary regime structure (paragraph 6.64).

15.2.10 There should be a review of the practice whereby there are restrictions on the type of food that prisoners’ visitors could bring on visits (paragraph 6.72).

15.2.11 Future surveys on visit arrangements should include the views of visitors (paragraph 6.76).

15.2.12 The timing of the weekend evening meal should be brought into line with the relevant SPS Operating Standard (paragraph 7.2).

15.2.13 Steps should be taken to address the training backlog in all areas of fire prevention (paragraph 7.20).

15.2.14 As a matter of priority, professional advice should be sought on the need for an additional fire escape route from the ‘B’ Wing Annex (paragraph 7.21).

15.2.15 A separate room should be provided for carrying out medical examinations (paragraph 8.5).

15.2.16 The secondary dispensing work being carried out by the nurse should cease and be replaced by a system which includes the monitoring and controlling of the pharmacy stock (paragraph 8.17).

15.2.17 Staff in the Farms and Gardens areas should be provided with showers and adequate rest room facilities (paragraph 9.22).