Prison Operator and NHS Lothian Admit Failings in COVID-19 Death of Inmate

Prison operator Sodexo and NHS Lothian have admitted criminal health and safety offences following the death of an inmate who contracted COVID-19 at HMP Addiewell.

Calum Inglis, 34, died alone in his cell at the West Lothian prison on 24 October 2021, 12 days after testing positive for the virus. He had asthma, was unvaccinated and had reportedly experienced worsening breathlessness and coughed up blood while isolating.

Edinburgh Sheriff Court heard that Mr Inglis had no contact with healthcare professionals after entering isolation. He made repeated requests for paracetamol, while messages sent to his family described the severity of his deteriorating condition.

Sodexo admitted failing to monitor him adequately after his positive test. NHS Lothian, which provided healthcare within the prison, admitted failing to establish an appropriate care plan. Expert evidence indicated that proper assessment and treatment could have significantly improved his chances of survival.

The case is believed to be the first successful UK criminal prosecution relating to a death caused by COVID-19. NHS Lothian has apologised to Mr Inglis’s family and said changes have since been introduced to improve welfare checks and patient safety. The case is expected to return to Edinburgh Sheriff Court in December.

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