Prison healthcare shake-up

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"The whole system needs ashake-up," said the employee.

"It's been running the same way for along time and is quite apunitivesystem. Healthcare is often used as areward or punishment.

"There are numerous examples of prisoners being denied treatment or being taken off medication despite long histories of depression, not to mention it's impossible for them to get regular doctors appointments.

"Hopefully now the organisational culture will change."

Sue Race, CEO of Dhelkaya Health (an amalgamation of Castlemaine Health, Maldon Hospital, and CHIRP Community Health), told the Express that they will be the primary health service supporting Tarrengower Prison, working in partnership with Bendigo Health who will provide support where required and in particular with dental care.

"Together these two services will work collaboratively with other local organisations with specific experience and knowledge in delivering culturally appropriate and specialist care. Those requiring emergency care will be taken to the nearest emergency service."

"The services model will deliver holistic care through an interdisciplinary team-based approach," Sue said.

Department of Justice and Community Safety believe that First Nations women at both Tarrengower and Dame Phyllis Frost will benefit from the existing relationships that public healthcare providers have with First Nations organisations, along with better continuity of care upon release back to the community.

"Women in prison will have access to awider, flexible network of community and specialist physical and mental health services under this model," said aDepartment of Justice and Community Safety spokesperson.

"The new health care providers will provide acomprehensive range of high-quality primary health specialist services that meet the distinct needs of Aboriginal women in custody."