Acacia Health Expo promotes wellbeing and proactive care in custody

For people in custody, priority areas for proactive health outreach, education and care include:
🏥 The management of chronic conditions;
🧠 Mental health; and
🩺 Communicable illnesses.

Ensuring that individuals can access the health services they need while in custody enables continuity of care and strengthens the overall health awareness of prison populations.

At Acacia Prison, Serco is empowering both staff and prisoners with reliable health information, including education across a range of topics that matter to our communities. We believe that this holistic approach is vital to promoting the wellbeing of people in our care.

Having observed World Health Day this week, we are proud to spotlight our recent Acacia Health Exposition. Rooted in Serco’s focus on improving overall health outcomes and wellbeing within custodial settings, the Health Expo offered direct engagement between Acacia staff, prisoners, and health professionals.

This event, modelling proactive care, equitable access and collaborative engagement, was designed by a dedicated committee of Serco staff led by Jessie Naicker, SercoAsPac’s Health Services Manager – Acacia Prison Health Services, Helen Pickin – Clinical Nurse and Tahlia Kinnane – Nurse Practitioner.

Expo attendees benefited from the involvement of specialist health organisations, whose participation enhanced the breadth and quality of information and services available. These included representatives from: Hearing Australia, Lifeblood Epilepsy WA, Sexual Health Quarters, HepatitisWA, Palmerston Association, Sexual Health Outreach, WAAC and Wungening Aboriginal Corporation.

Key outcomes observed:
🍎 Promotion of health awareness;
👩🏼‍⚕️ Direct interaction between prisoners and health professionals; and
⌚ Timely referrals as prisoners were able to connect with relevant health services for follow-up appointments, health screenings and programs like smoking cessation and counselling.

Jessie said, “I extend my heartfelt appreciation to everyone who contributed to the success of the Acacia Health Expo. Your dedication, collaboration and commitment to promoting health and wellness made this event truly impactful.

“We are proud to share that we have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from both staff and prisoners. Many expressed that the Expo was informative, engaging, and a valuable opportunity to learn more about health promotion and disease prevention.

“This achievement reflects the strength of our partnerships and the shared vision of creating a healthier custodial community.”

With innovative forums like the onsite Acacia Health Expo, the Serco team are proud to offer a holistic rehabilitation journey, responsive to the real requirements of those in custody.

Serco has proudly operated Acacia Prison for the Government of Western Australia for the past two decades, committed to supporting the reduction of recidivism and ensuring the wellbeing of all those in our care.