Many prisoners have high health needs due to their lifestyle before conviction and Wanganui Prison’s new Health Care Unit will ensure staff can better meet these needs.
“Health issues can impact on an offender’s successful rehabilitation once they are released,” said the Minister of Corrections Hon Damien O’Connor when he opened the Unit on 12 October.
“By ensuring prisoners are healthy they can fully utilise rehabilitation and reintegration initiatives that will be available to them in prison. For many offenders this will quite literally be the first step back on the road to recovery.”
Corrections Chief Executive Barry Matthews with staff
of the new Health Care Unit at Wanganui Prison.
The Unit cost $3.3 million and includes a specilised area for distributing medicines, areas for confidential consultations, treatment rooms, office space and a special day cell where prisoners who are unwell or have been injured can remain under continuous observation.
“The Unit certainly justifies the money invested in it,” said Corrections Chief Executive Barry Matthews. “Corrections is required to ensure that all prisoners receive health and disability support services to the level and standards that generally exist within the community for health services.”
“This facility is going to make a big difference in the day-to-day operation of the prison,” said Midland Regional Manager Leanne Field. “It’s been designed along similar lines to a community health clinic - with modifications to ensure a safe and secure environment is maintained.”
All new prisoners will be seen by a health professional at the Unit within four hours of their arrival at the prison, and will receive a full health assessment within 24 hours.
Ten nurses will work at the Unit under a specialist health services manager. A medical officer and dentist will provide services on a contract basis, while specialist health services will be provided by the Wanganui District Health Board.
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ISSN 1178-8453