In 2021, Edith Cowan University (ECU) partnered with Serco to influence the future of healthcare within the justice sector.
To deepen ECU students’ understanding of the complexities of prison healthcare and challenge any preconceived notions about correctional nursing, Serco facilitated student placements at Acacia Prison. This initiative provided invaluable hands-on experience for student nurses while also enhancing the prison’s healthcare environment.
Initial placements commenced with six students in 2023, with each student completing a 160-hour practicum over four weeks. During this time, students rotated through departments, including Primary Care, Mental Health, Chronic Disease, and Alcohol and Other Drugs. These placements also provided opportunities to collaborate with doctors, nurse practitioners, allied health professionals, and pharmacists, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the correctional healthcare environment.
Since the program commencement in 2023, 21 students have completed placements at Acacia Prison, with two returning to join the Serco team permanently.
Serco Justice Health Services Director Rhian Czech said the team at Acacia have been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and eagerness of the students to learn.
“The passion of the students to be involved in all aspects of the program and learn about prisoner healthcare has been infectious, giving the health services team the opportunity to reflect on their practices and share their extensive knowledge,” said Ms Czech.
“One of the most rewarding outcomes of this partnership has been the opportunity to offer ongoing employment to one of the students as a pharmacy assistant. This has not only benefited the student but also enriched the team at Acacia with fresh talent and new ideas.”
At the end of each placement, feedback is collected from the students to help improve the program and enhance their correctional experience. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many students expressing how the placement broadened their perspectives and deepened their understanding of correctional nursing.
Thank you for the amazing experience, I have enjoyed learning about various treatment and healthcare in prison life.
You have all made us feel so welcome and part of the team.
Student participant.
Thank you so much for including me as part of the team from Day One and providing me with the best experience, teaching and exposure to date.
Student participant.
Serco is currently supporting two students at Acacia Prison, however, has committed to seven rotations supporting a total of 14 students in 2025. After more than two successful years running the program, this partnership stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and the positive impact it can have on both students and the healthcare system. Following the success of the program at Acacia Prison, the initiative has recently been adopted by the Western Australian Department of Justice operated prisons across the state.
Driven by a commitment to expand this model across other justice contracts, the Serco Health Services Team initiated discussions with Flinders University to establish a similar program at the Adelaide Remand Centre (ARC). Student placements are now underway, offering third year nursing students a specialty program. Participants complete an eight-week clinical placement at the centre, gaining hands-on experience in managing nursing care within an acute healthcare setting. Initial feedback on the program being extremely positive.
This correctional setting has provided valuable learning opportunities, despite being unfamiliar territory. The nursing staffs were excited to meet with us on our first day, and their enthusiasm and willingness to teach have greatly enhanced my experience.
Student participant.
Throughout 2025 Serco will be supporting 20 nursing students across its correctional health centres, providing a comprehensive learning experience to help them achieve their career goals.