Jersey correctional nurses Denise Rahaman and Susan Laffan join Lorry to discuss current correctional healthcare news items on this episode of Correctional Nursing Today.

Lockdowns Disrupting Access to Mental Health Care for Inmates at Ottawa Jail

Lockdowns and security issues in one Canadian jail are disrupting psychiatrist access to mentally ill inmates. The story indicates that an estimated 70% of Canadian inmates have some form of mental illness and the rate is closer to 90% for female inmates. Lockdowns and security issues affect all health care services, although this story focuses on mental health care. This is a concern in the American criminal justice system, as well. Panelists discuss options to reduce barriers to care delivery in corrections.

Medical Staff in Federal Prisons Found Wanting

The Federal Bureau of Prisons is struggling to recruit medical staff into the Federal Prison System. They cite relatively low salaries, grim working conditions and remote locations as recruiting. All of us in correctional health care can sympathize with the FBOP. Panelists suggest ways to recruit into our challenging environment. Hint: Money is only one way…

Scientists are Training Rats to Sniff Out Tuberculosis Among Prison Inmates

Scientists in East Africa are training African giant pouched rats to sniff out tuberculosis among prisoners. Trained rates can screen 100 samples in 20 minutes while a standard lab process takes around four days and lab technicians should not test more than 20 patients a day due to higher risks of misdiagnosis after that point. A viable option for corrections in the US? Panelists deliberate on this unusual idea.

Prisoners Create Health Radio Show

Prisoners taking a class at the Donaldson Correctional Facility in Alabama have created a radio program addressing health issues they face in prison. Inmates write, act in, and record the program that includes eight 15 minute episodes. The article links educational programs like this to decreased recidivism after release.

Join the conversation. Share your thoughts on these news stories in the comments section of this post.