“Health should be managing health conditions and Corrections should not be responsible for health conditions,” forensic psychiatrist Kerri Eagle said as an abc.net.au investigation revealed dozens of coronial findings identifying failures in the care of prisoners with mental illness across New South Wales since 2015.
Systemic Failures and Inquest Findings in New South Wales Prisons
Almost half of people entering NSW prisons have had a mental health condition, according to 2020 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data, with First Nations people experiencing even higher rates. Of those with a mental health condition, half received treatment for depression, 39 per cent for anxiety, 18 per cent for schizophrenia, and 14 per cent for bipolar disorder. A series of coronial inquests determined that multiple inmates died in custody when they should have been in specialist care. Following the 2021 death of Simon Cartwright after he waited 17 days for a mental health bed, the coroner noted that the proceedings highlighted that Corrective Services NSW is not and should not be placed in a position to care for a mentally ill person. Forensic psychiatrist Jeremy O’Dea told another inquest into the death of an inmate known as MH that governments were unprepared to fund required demand, stating that “prisons are the new asylums” and severe mental illness was simply relocated when psychiatric beds closed.
Current Assessment Protocols and Risk Intervention Teams
Inmates identified as at risk of suicide and self-harm are currently referred to the Corrections officer-in-charge, who develops an immediate support plan to assess the prisoner’s risk, housing placement, and observation levels. This often involves placement in a safe cell with minimized hanging points and monitoring via CCTV and in person. The plan remains active until reviewed by a risk intervention team consisting of two Corrective Services NSW staff and one Justice Health staff member, usually a guard, a services and programs officer, and a general nurse. Disputes regarding management are referred to the prison governor for a decision. Dr. Eagle described the risk intervention team system as run by Corrective Services for the benefit of Corrective Services, adding that correctional officers lack the skills or training to make judgments about mental health.
Operational Constraints and Forensic Mental Health Bed Capacity
Corrective Services NSW rejected a recommendation from the 2021 coronial inquest into the death of Bailey Mackander that risk intervention teams should include a psychologist or have access to their advice. Dr. Eagle stated that medical staff in prison hospitals must defer to Corrections staff on security matters, noting that medical professionals are visitors in a jail controlled ultimately by Corrective Services. In October 2023, the New South Wales government committed to adding 109 forensic mental health beds over four years to increase capacity by 50 per cent. However, Dr. Eagle pointed out that inmates remain the responsibility of Corrective Services under current legislation, requiring Corrective Services officers to accompany patients into mental health wards where staff object to those officers being present and to patients being handcuffed to beds.
Agency Responses and Government Stance on Custodial Healthcare
A Corrective Services NSW spokesperson stated that the agency works collaboratively with Justice Health through multidisciplinary teams to deliver mental health services, adding that the intersection of mental health and the justice system is complex and requires a coordinated, whole-of-government response. A Justice Health spokesperson affirmed commitment to maintaining health principles and working closely with Corrective Services to address risks and improve access to treatment. Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong declined an interview request but stated in a statement that he expects people in custody to have access to appropriate healthcare and mental health support, while noting that specific questions about clinical care and operational arrangements remain matters for the relevant agencies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mental Healthcare in NSW Prisons
Who currently manages inmates in mental health crisis within NSW correctional facilities?
Assessment and housing decisions are shared between staff from Corrective Services NSW and Justice Health, with Corrective Services holding ultimate control over facility security and operational environments.
What recent infrastructure commitments have been made for forensic mental health?
The NSW government committed in October 2023 to add 109 forensic mental health beds over a four-year period, expanding total system capacity by 50 per cent.
How frequently have coronial findings identified mental health care failures?
An investigation revealed dozens of NSW coronial findings identifying failures in the care of prisoners with mental illness across the state since 2015.
Support Services and Crisis Contacts
If you or anyone you know needs help, support is available through the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467, Lifeline on 13 11 14, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis support line 13YARN on 13 92 76, Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636, or MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978.
Dr. Eagle on Corrective Services Control
“We are visitors in their house … Corrective Services has the ultimate control of a jail,” Dr. Eagle said.
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