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<p>The Government takes the health and wellbeing of prisoners very seriously. We work
closely with health partners to provide a standard of healthcare in prisons equivalent
to that available in the community. COVID-19, however, presents a unique set of challenges
that we must address to keep prisoners safe. To mitigate these, we are operating a
National Response Model in prisons, and working very closely with public health authorities
to ensure our approach is based on the best scientific advice available.</p><p>This
does, unfortunately, mean that visits have been suspended and people in prison are
spending more time in their cells. They are, however, being given access to services
including telephone contact with loved ones, access to health services and where possible
time in the open air. Additionally, following a successful trial at HMP Berwyn, we
are rolling out secure video calling to 10 prisons with a wider roll out in the coming
weeks. We continue to make the Samaritans phone service available, and are working
with the Samaritans to ensure that the Listener peer support scheme continues to function
effectively. We are also providing distraction packs and in cell activities to support
mental and physical wellbeing.</p><p>We are continuing to provide care and support
to people at risk of self-harm or suicide through ACCT (Assessment, Care in Custody
and Teamwork) case management. For those with severe mental health issues, we are
doing everything we can to ensure that the process for transfer to hospital continues
in as normal a way as possible.</p><p>Measures are also being taken to safeguard prisoners
with particularly vulnerable physical health from COVID-19 and to satisfy requirements
for social distancing. Since February, we have managed to move 4,000 people out of
double cells, and work is being taken forward to create extra cells and increase the
capacity of the prison estate. Meanwhile, prisoners identified in accordance with
NHS guidance as being ‘extremely vulnerable’ to COVID-19 are being proactively considered
for release from custody under existing Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL) provisions.
Where a prisoner falling within this category is considered not suitable for release,
they will continue to be appropriately shielded within custody.</p>
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