Health Services or Medical as it
was known was seen as a “bunch
of dogooders” that was tolerated in
the prison system. They were not
part of the team as we are today.
We had a nursing advisor, who
was a registered nurse, employed
part time in National Office to
oversee the health component of
the department.
smaller changes. I have gone from
a paper world to computers. I have
been responsible to the Prison
Superintendent, Regional Health
Manager,
Corrections
Health
Manager, and Prison Manager to
Prison Director. I had a staff of 0.5
in the early days, to now with eight
nurses and two administration
support staff.
We were, and still are advocates
to ensure that patients get what
they are entitled to and to achieve
good health outcomes. We are
now a Cornerstone accredited
service that is equal to the best in
the community.
I have managed my budget then
not managed my budget back to
managing my budget. We have
gone from 160 inmates to 550
back to 300. It is a wonder I am not
schizophrenic or maybe I am.
In 2004 Medtech (an electronic
patient management file) was
introduced to health services. We
now became computer literate and
all
our
documentation
was
electronic.
This was a great advantage when
patients were transferring in as we
had access to their file so we could
prepare for their arrival.
From 2005 there was a move to
align the health service in prison
with the health sector at large.
Policies and Procedures were
written up and signed off with all
the appropriate consultation and
collaboration. We now have a
Health Services Manual and each
site has a Health Services Local
Operations Manual.
The last restructure in 2015
reduced the size of Tongariro
Rangipo Prison to 300 prisoners
and a secure perimeter fence was
erected. Rather than the open
spaces of yesteryear we are now
all behind the wire, a real prison.
The Rangipo part of the prison was
closed.
Over the past 28 years I have
been nurse, Charge Nurse, Team
Leader,
and
HealthCentre
Manager. I have been through
three major restructures with many
I would not have lasted this long
with all the changes and upheaval
if I didn’t enjoy my job and couldn’t
see that we, as Health Services,
do make a difference to peoples’
lives.
We do get patients that have
complex health needs that do not
have optimal health status on
reception and it is very satisfying to
see them leave in a more healthy
state.
A picture of Dos receiving the
Cornerstone Certificate with her
Manager at the time, Grant Aitken, in
2012
April/May 2016 L.O.G.I.C
15