Should We Care About The Health And Welfare Of Prisoners?

Why should we care about the health and well being of prisoners?

This report attempts to answer the question, why should we care about the health of prisoners? It looks into the rise of the prison population and the development of the private sector as correctional providers, briefly reviewing if private prisons are an improvement to the existing facilities. It also examines the different health issues imprisonment has on inmates and that of their supporters.

Mr Michael Brown, a prison inmate agreed to be interviewed, due to time restraints, he responded to the questions by sending a written report. Michael's account contained details relating to his personal health and the health services available in prison. His mother Mrs Brown also kindly agreed to be interviewed; this interview was conducted at her home. She speaks about problems she faces on the outside. They each give a firsthand account of their lives and that of their families. Recommendations and strategies are suggested to make improvements are also included.

The prison population growth

Australia's prison population is rapidly growing. Incarceration now affects more people, either directly or indirectly than it ever has done before. Between the years 1990 and 2000 the number of Australian prisoners increased by 42%. This growth is predicted to continue over the next ten years, with estimates of a further 50% increase, (ABS, 2006). Australia has become a much less tolerant society, with the focus more on punishment and less on rehabilitation, (Matthews, 2006). This must be considered correct, as the upward trend in prison numbers continues.

The prison system adopts a biomedical approach, insinuating the reason for incarceration is entirely the fault of the individual, (Germov, 2002). Due to the fact the current justice system is not working, the Government needs to look at the problem from a social model perspective, to see why 70% of all prisoners eventually return. What is happening in our society or what support networks are lacking to be causing these massive increases?

The private prison industry

Private prisons are being built to accommodate the rising number of prisoners. The major private prison provider is, The Management and Training Corporation. It promotes it's self as, Ð''a private corrections facility, delivering accountability, costs, quality and outcomes.' Whilst the private sector appears favorable for the tax payer, it is difficult to compare services against the public facilities. The problem is that all prisons are different and finding any criteria to make comparisons is very difficult, (James, 1997).

Private prisons prefer to hold, long term male inmates, males generally have fewer healthcare issues, making them less expensive to house. Rehabilitation claims are difficult to correctly assess, as many prisoners are long term inmates and not eligible for parole.

The new prisons are very large, and can be operated with a minimum of staff. By using electronic technology from a central control room, this technology is used to operate doors, and also to monitor the inmates using video surveillance. Whilst it saves on manpower and money, this system causes heath issues for the prisoners. The inmates have less human contact, leading to depression, anxiety and mental health problems.

Private prisons are often built in rural areas away from major towns; keeping costs down by using cheaper land. The impact this has on visitors and prisoners can be considerable. Visiting is made very difficult for families in remote areas, as financial issues and transport problems prevent important family contact. By employing the private sector, we must consider if the financial savings made come at some other higher price, also looking at the issues associated with prisons for profit.

It was reported that the monies spent on the increasing prison costs, should be directed into health, housing and community services. The focus should be to help with crime prevention, rather than incarceration, (Steering, 2000).

However, once incarcerated in either a public of private correctional facility, health care becomes a major issue to be considered, not only for the inmate but that also for the supporting families and friends.

Health care issues from an inmates perspective

Mr Michael Brown is 29 years of age, and is currently serving a mandatory life sentence for murder. Michael is a highly educated individual with two degrees in business and accounting. When interviewed he explained how the health care system in prison worked and how his health and well being is affected by being incarcerated. He is currently being held in a private prison; however he has asked me not to reveal its location, as he is afraid on any repercussions which may affect his appeal or safety. (Brown, 2007)

The most important thing Michael stressed was that health care differed greatly from prison to prison, although he felt the private prisons are Ð''harder to serve time in.' To see a doctor, a written request must be submitted, (Fig 1). The facilities in the doctor's surgery are very good, they provide all the services you would expect, flu jabs, blood tests, and basic health checks. All medications are issued by the duty nurse. Sun screen is also provided for all outside workers. To see a dentist, physiotherapist or other specialist, again forms are submitted, Michael states it's the best dentist he has ever had.

However, there are many testaments and statements from different prisoners, relating the inadequate medical service they received whilst being incarcerated, (Brown, 2002).

Michael added that whilst all his medical needs are well provided for his overall health is very poor. The meals provided are of a poor quality, as keeping costs low is a high priority within the prison management. He buys extra food and vitamins to supplement his diet. Michael suffers with depression, stress and anxiety problems, as he lives in fear of being attacked by other inmates. He relates that the hours spent in lock down are too long, and he has little social interaction.

Michael complains that electronic technology and video surveillance add to his isolation problems, as it aids further in the removal essential human contact. James, argues in favour of technology, stating that private prisons have some advantages over the older style prisons, as they are able to use the latest designs and developments, offering superior conditions to prisoners, (James, 1997). Michael