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Shane proposes a model for the prison’s injecting room

needle

SHANE Rattenbury says a safe, medically supervised injecting room has been identified by the Needle and Syringe Program Working Group as the preferred model for a Needle and Syringe Program (NSP) at the AMC.

“This decision has been taken by the Needle and Syringe Program Working Group (the Working Group) as they believe it is the most viable model for implementation in the unique environment of the AMC, following 12 months of consideration,” Shane said.

“The Working Group was established by a deed of agreement between the Government and the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) to develop a model in way that effectively engaged with staff and other stakeholders and includes JACS and Health directorate officials, CPSU officials and correctional officer delegates.

“The Working Group will further consult with staff and stakeholders over the coming weeks to form the detail of the model, which will then be presented to Corrective Services staff for a vote.

“Our primary focus in developing a Needle and Syringe Program is to reduce the spread of serious blood-borne viruses among detainees.

“Direct distribution by nurses or doctors through an injecting room model could allow for personal contact with prisoners and the opportunity for health professionals to provide qualified medical advice to detainees.

“In 2015, to break many years of stalemate on this issue, I negotiated the development of the Working Group, which comprises of ACT Corrective Services and Health officials, as well as CPSU officials and custodial officer delegates.

“The Working Group has met regularly since September and will now further consult with staff and external stakeholders. I would like to thank the members of the working for their genuine engagement and professionalism in their deliberations.”

[Photo by Aiden Chadwick, attribution licence.]

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2 Responses to Shane proposes a model for the prison’s injecting room

no drugs in prisons says: 15 July 2016 at 6:35 pm

It is beyond my comprehension that we condone criminals commiting another crime by using illegal drugs within the legal system. Next taxpayers will be sourcing & paying for the drugs as well. People like me get treated like criminals when through no fault of our own we need opiate drugs, and with no reason or knowledge of our individual health situations & no notice we suddenly get told by ACT Health that we can no longer have our prescriptions filled without waiting 12-18 months to go through the Pain management system at the hospital. Which for me provided nothing positive or useful. But we can be in excrutiating pain, but the tax payer can keep criminals happy on their drugs if choice. Perhaps l should buy some illegal drugs, get caught& jailed then ACT govt can keep me happy & pain free.

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