Concerns raised over coronavirus outbreak at HMP Kilmarnock
It's claimed prison officers "are the forgotten emergency service."
Concerns are being raised as HMP Kilmarnock continues to deal with an outbreak of coronavirus.
It has been confirmed 230 inmates and 27 staff members have now tested positive for COVID-19.
Serco, which runs the prison, says it has undertaken a mass testing programme which was completed on Monday and more results are expected in the coming days.
Craig Thomson, Serco Prison Director at HMP Kilmarnock, said: “Last week there were a number of positive Covid cases in HMP Kilmarnock. As a result it was agreed with the health authorities that all prisoners and officers at the prison would be offered a test.
“This mass testing programme has resulted in a significant increase in the number of positive Covid cases, although many of those testing positive are asymptomatic."
Mr Thomson added, “Our priority now is to look after the health and wellbeing of everyone in the prison and we are working closely with Public Health Scotland and NHS Scotland and taking every measure possible to keep people safe.”
But Community, the union representing some workers says greater protection is needed for prison staff who they say are 'the forgotten emergency service.'
Steve Farrell from the union says, "They are also dads, mums, uncles, grandparents. They are taking whatever they may be subjected to in the workplace back to their homes, families and friends and that is not acceptable.
"It was always going to be apparent that the virus was going to affect prisons quite severely at some point. That is why it's important that the Government and the Scottish Prison Service take notice of what the trade unions are saying in relation to proper testing, which has never been introduced.
"This is not an isolated incident. We've got the same at HMP Addiewell and HMP Dumfries. We need to get a proper testing system in place and we need to get a vaccination rolled out across the prison service."
A statement from the Scottish Prison Service says, "The safety and wellbeing of those living and working in our prisons is a priority for the Scottish Prison Service. We have robust pandemic plans in place as we manage and support those in our care during these challenging times.
"Plans include issuing PPE and guidance for use, as well as self isolation as a precaution and testing is also available."