The suicide rate in New Zealand prisons is 11 times higher than in the general population – and, since 2008, more than 75 prisoners have died.
The number of prisoners committing suicide has much to do with high rates of mental health problems combined with poor quality psychiatric care in prison.
Doctors and nurses who treat prisoners are unable to provide an equivalent level of care to that received by patients in the community.
In 2011, the ombudsman called this a serious concern and recommended responsibility for healthcare of prisoners should be removed from the Corrections Department and given to DHBs.
Source
- NZ Doctor
- Image:Topnews.net.nz
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