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Covid-19 updates

Covid-19 updates

Updated Tuesday 19 January

Information for the Family and Friends of Residents at HMP Forest Bank

On Monday 4 January , the Prime Minister announced that due to a new, faster spreading strain of Covid-19, England would once again enter into a full lockdown.

In line with the most recent Government guidance, social visits will remain suspended at HMP Forest Bank for the duration of the lockdown, with the exception of visits for exceptional compassionate cases (please see below for further details).

We appreciate the impact this is having on residents, their families and loved ones, however this action is deemed necessary in order to reduce the risk widespread transmission across the prison and the wider community.

I would like to say thank you to all the staff and residents for their hard work and dedication in ensuring that we maintain a safe environment for everyone living and working at Forest Bank. I would also like to thank our partners and colleagues at HMPPS, Public Health England and Salford City Council. The support received is very much appreciated as we continue to navigate the Covid-19 pandemic over the coming weeks and months.

Compassionate Visits

HMP Forest Bank is offering a small number of residents a compassionate visit with their family members and loved ones. (Please note that compassionate visits will only be granted under extremely compelling circumstances).

We expect demand for this service to be extremely high, so priority will be given to residents who meet the following criteria:

The birth of a child during or after February 2020
The recent death of a close family member
Have an immediate family member who is terminally ill

Eligible residents will be asked to apply for a compassionate visit. Families will be notified if the application has been successful in due course.

Please note that social distancing rules will remain in place during compassionate visits for the continuing safety of all residents and staff.

Purple Visits

Purple Visits allow video calling with family and friends and provide a great way to support residents while the current visiting restrictions are in place.

For more information on Purple visits including how to register and how to book a time slot visit our dedicated page here

As always, we appreciate your patience and understanding during this difficult time and thank you for your continued support.

Matt Spencer

Director