NCJ Number
85304
Journal
Quality Review Bulletin Volume: 7 Issue: 7 Dated: (July 1981) Pages: 28-31
Date Published
1981
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The organization of health care delivery in correctional institutions in the United States is described and compared to the systems in England, Canada, Poland, and France.
Abstract
Prison health care in the United States varies from facility to facility according to the inmates' needs, the jail size, and community resources. Some jails hire their own health care professionals, while others contract for services. In facilities accredited by the American Medical Association, a variety of organizational systems are possible. The autonomy of individual health systems sets jail medicine in the United States apart from prison health care in other countries. In England, Canada, Poland, and France, the organization of health care for prisoners is mandated by law and directed by a central government agency. The health care system in each country provides different degrees of health coverage, but all employ health care professionals who provide uniform medical care to inmates in correctional facilities. England's Prison Medical Services agency employs over 100 full-time and 100 part-time medical officers as well as 600 nurses and numerous other health professionals. Canada's prison medical staff is usually able to handle most medical problems. Poland has outpatient care and sick rooms in each prison as well as over 18 prison hospitals. France has specialized prison hospitals as well as medical equipment in each prison. Fourteen references are listed.