Dear Editor,
I am an inmate at Risdon Prison, Tasmania, and I am writing in relation to Inmate Health Care Plans.
I developed a significant health issue while an inmate of this institution, one that will require a surgical procedure. Initially the condition was very painful and debilitating. I struggled to walk, struggled to get to the shower, to muster, to the kitchen and to work. This condition is one that can be fixed quite quickly, however discomfort is daily.
In the days leading up to medical intervention, and immediately following, I definitely needed support, especially for the first few weeks, when the pain was at its worst. The support came solely from other inmates, and from the nurses with limited access to effective pain release. Eventually, after phoning the Ombudsman I was moved closer to the nursing station.
I had to move my own property, at a time when walking was painful.
Since then, medical support has been organised and is mostly coordinated, and is improving. The nurses have been efficient and I am grateful for their work.
A setback caused significant pain and stress, and begged the question: Why wasn't a day to day care plan put in place? At no stage during what was a difficult time, did anyone speak to me about basic supports such as cell hygiene, making a bed, minimising movement and access to a toilet while at work. I had to push hard to find someone to listen to me. I felt this wasn't taken seriously.
I understand the bigger picture medical plan – visits to a doctor, hospital, specialists when required, nurse support for immediate pain relief, that's part of a medical system's normal role. But the day to day living support is very important and was neglected. Even though I asked, I felt that nobody heard.
I have put this question to our prison health system, and I am still waiting for a reply.
Prison is difficult enough when one is fit and healthy, it is almost impossible to get through when one is very unwell. I don't want inmates to experience unnecessary pain and discomfort as I did.
Developing case management plans shouldn't be difficult. They should provide a team focus for those individuals who need additional support for a period of time. They should include the inmate.
Yours faithfully,
Alexander
Dear Editor,
I am an inmate at Risdon Prison, Tasmania, and I am writing in relation to Inmate Health Care Plans.
I developed a significant health issue while an inmate of this institution, one that will require a surgical procedure. Initially the condition was very painful and debilitating. I struggled to walk, struggled to get to the shower, to muster, to the kitchen and to work. This condition is one that can be fixed quite quickly, however discomfort is daily.
In the days leading up to medical intervention, and immediately following, I definitely needed support, especially for the first few weeks, when the pain was at its worst. The support came solely from other inmates, and from the nurses with limited access to effective pain release. Eventually, after phoning the Ombudsman I was moved closer to the nursing station.
I had to move my own property, at a time when walking was painful.
Since then, medical support has been organised and is mostly coordinated, and is improving. The nurses have been efficient and I am grateful for their work.
A setback caused significant pain and stress, and begged the question: Why wasn't a day to day care plan put in place? At no stage during what was a difficult time, did anyone speak to me about basic supports such as cell hygiene, making a bed, minimising movement and access to a toilet while at work. I had to push hard to find someone to listen to me. I felt this wasn't taken seriously.
I understand the bigger picture medical plan – visits to a doctor, hospital, specialists when required, nurse support for immediate pain relief, that's part of a medical system's normal role. But the day to day living support is very important and was neglected. Even though I asked, I felt that nobody heard.
I have put this question to our prison health system, and I am still waiting for a reply.
Prison is difficult enough when one is fit and healthy, it is almost impossible to get through when one is very unwell. I don't want inmates to experience unnecessary pain and discomfort as I did.
Developing case management plans shouldn't be difficult. They should provide a team focus for those individuals who need additional support for a period of time. They should include the inmate.
Yours faithfully,
Alexander
