Following a massive shakeup to the state’s prison healthcare system Dhelkaya Health in Castlemaine will become the lead healthcare provider for prisoners at Tarrengower Prison from July 1.
Private healthcare provider GEO Group Australia will be replacing Correct Care Australasia in the state’s male prisons, including the two in Castlemaine, and maximum security Dame Phyllis Frost in Ravenhall will receive healthcare from Western Health.
This follows a five-week inquest into the death of 37-year-old Veronica Nelson, a proud Gunditjmara, Dja Dja Wurrung, Wiradjuri and Yorta Yorta who died in custody at Dame Phyliss Frost in January 2020 and a wrongful death lawsuit brought against Correct Care, the Victorian government, Corrections Victoria, the Department of Justice and Community Safety and the executive director of Justice Health by Veronica’s partner of 20 years, Percy Lovett.
A prison employee spoke to the Express about their experiences of the healthcare system within the prisons.
“It’s a toxic culture and means the prisoners often have difficulties accessing decent healthcare.
“The whole system needs a shake-up,” said the employee.
“It’s been running the same way for a long time and is quite a punitive system. Healthcare is often used as a reward 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 a wider, flexible network of community and specialist physical and mental health services under this model,” said a Department of Justice and Community Safety spokesperson.
“The new health care providers will provide a comprehensive range of high-quality primary health specialist services that meet the distinct needs of Aboriginal women in custody.”
