Long Term Inmate & Health Care

Specialties Correctional

Published

Hello Everyone,

I am a RN research/project officer working for the NSW Corrections Health Service in Australia. I have been asked if there is any publically available assessment policies/documentation for meeting the health needs for long-term inmates. These would include refferal criteria and identification of health promotion needs.

I know this is a big ask, but if anyone can help I`d be eternally grateful..... ta in advance.

regards StuPer

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospice, corrections, psychiatry, rehab, LTC.

Please clarify: are you talking about inmates who require long-term care because of physical condition, or inmates who are serving lengthy sentences? Once I receive your response, I will do what I can to locate policy statements.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi Orca,

I`m talking about inmates who have lengthy sentences. What we are looking for is a health assessment/screen for this client group that results in a comprehensive plan of care, with refferral flags for identified problems. At present this process is covered by diverse policies and documentation, we`re hoping someone/organisation has streamlined this process.... as I said before, a big ask, but we don`t want to re-invent the wheel if we can avoid it.

regards StuPer

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in correctional, psych, ICU, CCU, ER.

try http://www.ncchc.com

We have no long term inmates here-only keep them until they first see a judge.

If they return to us as 'trusty's' they must be med free.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospice, corrections, psychiatry, rehab, LTC.

Stu,

As far as I can determine, our policies do not differ in terms of sentence length. We have standard policies for assessment at intake, but inmates who have longer sentences are treated no differently from those who do not. About the only time that sentence length comes into play is if an inmate needs a procedure done, but is close to release. In those instances, the state will usually not pay for the procedure, and it is the responsibility of the inmate to take care of it after leaving prison.

I know that this isn't what you are looking for, but it it probably typical.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi Orca,

Thx for your help, given that your policies do cover long-term inmates, even if not specifically written for them, would you be willing to send me relevant copies?.

JailRN, thx for the site I`ve been there already, and we may end up purchasing some texts. Incidentially have you been to http://www.corrections.com, the health section could develop into a useful resource for nursing staff in corrections.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

At the facility which I am employed by. The long term inmates wtih chronic helath problems such as respiratory failure if they are on a vent are sent to a regular nursing home within the city. A guard is posted at their door.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment