Huge pressure on health services could result from expected
increases in prisoner numbers at the Otago Corrections
Facility in Milburn, Dr Branko Sijnja says.
He told yesterday's Otago and Southland community and public
health advisory committee meet-ing this would include mental
health services, general practitioners and other providers of
community health services.
"Are we able to respond to quite an increased demand?" The
numbers at Milburn may increase by up to 150 as a result of
double-bunking, which was introduced last month.
The earlier maximum capacity of the jail was 402.
The committee asked that management provide it with
information on the potential impact of an increase in
prisoner numbers to its own and other health services.
Member Peter Barron said the board had earlier sought
assurances around its forensic mental health services, but an
increase in prisoners would affect all services which needed
to be provided.
This could include services to prisoners' families.
Dr Sijnja suggested that it could be worthwhile asking the
Department of Corrections to meet the committee.
One of the reports to the committee noted that Public Health
South had been working with a trust on the development of a
mental health programme for Maori inmates.
Mahia Ki A Koe (working for you) was aimed at developing
resiliency in participants and strengthening family
relationships, and would be completed by May.
An evaluation would be presented to Public Health South and
the Department of Corrections.
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