Partnerships illuminate pathways to transform prisoner healthcare
In 2022, Serco took a significant step forward in shaping the future of prisoner healthcare by joining forces with the Australian Government's Institute of Health and Welfare for the 6th National Prisoner Health Data Collection. This groundbreaking effort shed light on the stark realities faced by nearly 40,600 individuals in Australia’s correctional system as of June 30, 2022. Our findings revealed a profound insight: over half of those entering prison battle with chronic physical conditions such as arthritis, asthma, diabetes, and Hepatitis C while mental health issues are equally prevalent, affecting one in two prisoners.
Case Study: Clarence Correctional Centre
Hepatitis C effects more than 117,000 Australians (estimated in 2020), and the utilisation of government funded antiviral treatment has led to the reduction in the incidence of chronic liver disease (Kwon et al, 2021). Among prisoners, more than 30% are affected by Hepatitis C (HCV), with rates potentially rising to 60% among injectable drug users.
Currently to be diagnosed with HCV a person is required to have a blood test; however, using dry blood spot testing would provide a suitable substitute.
In partnership with NSW Health, Northern NSW Local Health District, North Coast Public Health Unit, and championed by NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant, the Clarence Correctional Centre (CLA) recently participated in a state-wide pilot program for dry-blood spot testing.
The program objective was to reach priority populations who are testing infrequently for HCV and increase testing, diagnosis, and linkage to care and treatment in NSW. The intensive testing at CLA was unique as it provided the opportunity to capture a high risk, condensed prisoner population, who are harder to reach in the community.
Planning for this project commenced in 2022 with a team of more than 15 qualified dry blood testers working with 500 inmates who consented to taking part and were tested in early 2024.
Following the success of the dry-blood spot testing that took place at the centre, the veracity study will be put forward to the Therapeutic Goods Administration to be put into general use.
Reference: Kwon, J. A., Dore, G. J., Hajarizadeh, B., Alavi, M., Valerio, H., Grebely, J., Guy, R., & Gray, R. T. (2021). Australia could miss the WHO hepatitis C virus elimination targets due to declining treatment uptake and ongoing burden of advanced liver disease complications. PloS one, 16(9), e0257369. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0257369
Image reference: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
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