Our Services - Primary Health
It is evident that adult inmates and juvenile detainees suffer disadvantage on a whole range of specific health problems associated with mental illness, drug abuse and general neglect of health. Whilst incarcerated, our patients benefit from excellent access to primary health care and take advantage of the opportunity to address outstanding health concerns. The generally short periods of incarceration limit ongoing contact with our clients. Consequently, encouraging the individual to take responsibility for managing health and wellbeing is a core component.
Recent initiatives in primary care within the correctional environment include:
Chronic Care Collaborative
In 2001 the NSW Government Action Plan highlighted the need to focus on improving the care of people with chronic illness. Since then the NSW Health system, through the implementation of the NSW Chronic Care Program, has made considerable progress in improving management of chronic diseases.
Justice Health was successful in gaining funding for the Chronic Care Collaborative (CCC). The CCC focuses on diagnosis and management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Heart Failure.
The Collaborative methodology provides an opportunity for system-wide improvements in the care of people with chronic illness through creation of effective partnerships between managers, consumers and clinicians.
Long Term Health Plan for Adult Inmates
All people received into custody have a preliminary health assessment to assist health personnel to identify and address any immediate health concerns. At 28 days post reception, inmates undergo a more comprehensive health assessment that informs the development of an individualised health plan to manage
medium to long term health concerns. The health assessment is repeated at 12 months, which involves screening for any health issues that have developed since the previous assessment. It also provides the opportunity for inmate health education and preparation of a discharge summary if release is imminent.
Diabetes Protocol
A protocol has been introduced state-wide for the identification, treatment and management of clients with diabetes. The protocol provides a guide for clinical practice and ensures clients receive regular and appropriate follow-up. Patients receive comprehensive education about diabetes, a key factor in the effective management of the disease. A database keeps track of when diabetics are due for annual review.
Asthma Protocol
Protocols have been introduced for the diagnosis, treatment and management of asthma. Emphasis is on: client education about the disease; developing an asthma management plan with the client; and fostering client responsibility for implementation of the management plan and monitoring overall health and wellbeing.
Staff have been educated in the protocols as well as trained to educate patients about the disease and its management.
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