Prisoner Support and Treatment

In reply to the Hon. S.G. WADE (23 June 2016).

The Hon. P. MALINAUSKAS (Minister for Police, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Road Safety): I am advised:

The High Dependency Unit (HDU) at Yatala comprises a 26-bed Complex Needs Unit, which includes a six bed Acute Area for the assessment, treatment and observation of prisoners who are considered to be of high risk, high needs, or at risk of self-harm. It also includes a 12-bed Therapeutic Area for assessment, intervention, support, therapeutic programs and transition planning for prisoners with complex needs.

An eight bed Aged-Care/Infirm Facility is also included for assessment, speciality care and rehabilitation of older and infirm prisoners.

The Health Centre at Yatala comprises 12 beds for the monitoring of unwell prisoners.

This multifunctional and integrated unit provides prisoners with specialised care to the same standards as in the community.

There have been a number of changes in the models of health care provided to patients within the health centre which has meant that prisoners can be returned to the health centre from hospital far earlier that they would have in the past reducing the pressure on acute hospitals.

The Department for Correctional Services is unable to specifically quantify the number of transfers to hospitals and other health facilities as it is dynamic and dependent on the level of care required for a prisoner. This is ultimately decided by healthcare practitioners.