HMP Wealston

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On 1 April 1995, HM Prisons Thorp Arch and Rudgate amalgamated to form HMP Wealstun. The amalgamation of two neighbouring establishments was an historic development for the Prison Service, and had the effect of creating a category C (closed) side and category D (open) side within one establishment.

A central tenet of Wealstun's whole-establishment approach is to enable the progressive transfer of suitable prisoners from the closed side to the open side. The utilisation of joint services enables Wealstun to make financial savings whilst maintaining the good reputation of both establishments.

A great deal of building development has taken place and some continues.

Governor: Amy Rice

Accommodation: 22 Double cells in the closed prison all the remainder are single cells. Open prison rooms are single occupancy.

Operational capacity: 907 as of 19th August 2005

Reception criteria: The prison accepts offenders deemed suitable for conditions at Wealstun. It does not accept sex offenders and does not currently have facilities for detoxification. Wealstun aims to receive medium to longer term offenders who can benefit from the closed prison training regime to work towards progression into Open Category D conditions and release on licence. Offenders requiring 24 hour medical care are not accepted.