Published Monday, 14 May 2012
It comes following “allegations of concern”. (© UTV)
The Northern Ireland Prisons Service confirmed on Monday that Gary Alcock has been temporarily removed from his post at the jail on the outskirts of south Belfast.
An independent investigation will now be carried out.
The NIPS said: "It is anticipated that the investigation will take weeks to complete and the Prison Service will not be commenting while the investigation is ongoing.
"In the interim and with immediate effect another Senior Governor will assume the responsibility of Governing Governor at Hydebank Wood."
Prisoner Ombudsman Pauline McCabe said the move comes after "matters of concern" were raised during an investigation at Hydebank Wood Prison and Young Offenders Centre.
A statement said: "Mrs Pauline McCabe, the Prisoner Ombudsman for Northern Ireland has confirmed that in the course of an investigation at Hydebank Wood prison that matters of concern to her were brought to the attention of the Director General of the Prison Service.
"Mrs McCabe has been briefed on the response of the Director General and will not be making any further comment in advance of the outcome of the independent investigation."