Australian Capital Territory
Corrections Management (PDC: Access to health care) Policy 2011
Notifiable instrument NI2011-443
made under the  
Corrections Management Act 2007, section 14(1) (Corrections policies and operating procedures) 

1	Name of instrument
This instrument is the Corrections Management (PDC: Access to health care) Policy 2011.
2	Commencement
This instrument commences on the day after it is notified.
3	Policy
I make the
PDC: access to health care policy
attached to this instrument, to facilitate the effective and efficient management of correctional services.

Bernadette Mitcherson
Executive Director 
ACT Corrective Services
3 August 2011

Periodic Detention Centre: 

Access to Health Care Policy

Purpose
Authority
Policy
Principles
Confidentiality
Health care services
Issue of medication
Related Policies and Procedures

Purpose
To outline the policy for detainees to have access to appropriate medical treatment at the Periodic Detention Centre (PDC). 

Authority
Legislation
Corrections Management Act 2007, sections 14, 21, 53, 54, 68 and 77.
Health Records (Privacy and Access) Act 1997, section 5. 
Health Professionals Act 2004.
Crimes (Sentence Administration) Act 2005, Part 5.2.

Policy
Principles
The provision of health services at the PDC is designed to ensure that:
•	detainees have a standard of health care equivalent to that available to other people in the ACT; and
•	conditions within the PDC are appropriate to the health and wellbeing of detainees. 

It is the responsibility of a corrections officer to alert Justice Health Services staff of any detainee who appears to be unwell, whether or not the detainee has a specific complaint.

Confidentiality
Confidentiality of medical information will be maintained to preserve detainee’s entitlement to privacy. All medical files will be sealed by Justice Health Services staff for transport and handed directly to the treating health professional. 

Health care services
Detainees will have access to screening, referral and treatment services as outlined in the Adult Justice Health Services Plan. 

This includes:
•	an initial assessment when first presenting at the PDC; and
•	timely treatment, particularly in urgent circumstances. If Justice Health Services staff are not onsite, corrections officers will arrange this. 

Detainees who wish to see Justice Health Services staff may do so by requesting an appointment directly through health staff or via correctional staff. 

Wherever possible, detainees will be assessed and treated by Justice Health Services staff at the PDC. 

Issue of medication
Justice Health Services staff will issue all medications in accordance with the PDC Administration of medication procedure. Corrections officers will monitor the issuing of medications to reduce diversion and trafficking. The only exception to this is the issue of paracetamol and prescription medication that is required to be issued when there are no Justice Health Services staff on shift.  In this case, Justice Health Services staff will leave detailed instructions for the nightshift CO2 at the PDC.

When a nurse or other qualified Justice Health Services employee attends the accommodation units to issue medication, a corrections officer is required to escort the person at all times and observe the issue of medication to the detainee. 

Related Policies and Procedures
PDC Administration of medication procedure
Adult Justice Health Services Plan