Lessons learned from keeping NSW’s prisons COVID-free
International Journal of Prisoner Health
ISSN: 1744-9200
Article publication date: 1 March 2021
Issue publication date: 18 October 2021
Abstract
Purpose
New South Wales (NSW) correctional system houses 30% of prisoners in Australia and at this time has only had a single documented case of COVID-19 amongst its prisoner population. The coordinated response by Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network (The Network) undertaken with the support of NSW Ministry of Health, in partnership with Corrective Services NSW (CSNSW), Youth Justice and private jails has ensured that the NSW correctional system has remained otherwise COVID-free.
Design/methodology/approach
A research study of how a range of partners which support the operations of NSW Correctional System developed an effective approach for the prevention a COVID-19 epidemic amongst its inmates.
Findings
Establishment of effective partnerships, early coordination of representatives from all aspects of the NSW correctional system, limited access to the correctional environment, reduced prison population and strict isolation of all new receptions have all contributed to maintaining this COVID-free status despite other NSW settings with similar risk profiles, such as aged care facilities and cruise ship arrivals, experiencing serious outbreaks.
Research limitations/implications
Although Australia/New Zealand context of suppressed community infection rates for COVID-19 (which are approaching elimination in some jurisdictions) is in contrast to the situation in other parts of the world, the principles described in this paper will be useful to most other correctional systems.
Practical implications
Modelling was used to underline our approach and reinforced the veracity of following this approach.
Originality/value
The Network and CSNSW has been able to mount an effective, integrated response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has been sustainable through the first peak of COVID-19 cases. This case study catalogues the process of developing this response and details each intervention implemented with inventive use of tables to demonstrate the impact of the range of interventions used.
Keywords
Citation
Blogg, J., McGrath, C., Galouzis, J., Grant, L. and Hoey, W. (2021), "Lessons learned from keeping NSW’s prisons COVID-free", International Journal of Prisoner Health, Vol. 17 No. 3, pp. 398-405. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPH-09-2020-0073
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited