Health services in NSW correctional facilities

Background

The provision of health services to inmates in New South Wales (NSW) custodial facilities is complex due to a combination of the size of the NSW correctional system, the need to deliver these services in a secure environment and a patient group with frequently complicated medical histories and co-occurring medical conditions. Our inspection focused on:

• the health status and needs of inmates
• the health services available to inmates, including primary, specialist and allied health services
• inmate access to health services, including the impact of resourcing and custodial regimes
• the operation of different service delivery models, including policies, procedures and practices
• relevant legislation and standards

Where we inspected

We examined the provision of health services in selected NSW adult correctional facilities.

• Cessnock Correctional Centre
• John Morony Correctional Centre
• Junee Correctional Centre
• Tamworth Correctional Centre
• Metropolitan Remand and Reception Centre
• Long Bay Hospital
• Prince of Wales Hospital, secure unit.

Recommendations

The Inspector made 50 recommendations to improve health services in all custodial facilities in NSW.

Report

The Health services in NSW correctional facilities was tabled in NSW Parliament and published in March 2021.

Health services in NSW correctional facilities report (PDF , 2.9 MB).