Covid hits jail rehab services

THERE have been consistent interruptions to rehabilitation services at Risdon Prison, according to a Tasmanian prison advocate, as 28 inmates across the system isolate after testing positive to Covid.

There were also 13 staff who were not at work because they were either Covid-positive or a close contact.

The chair of the Prisoners Legal Service, Greg Barns, said disruptions to rehab services, including education and support programs, had been constant because of Covid.

“There have been disruptions on and off through Covid,” Mr Barns said.

“We are concerned that the brunt of Covid in the prison is borne by prisoners.”

As of Thursday, the TPS therapeutic team had cancelled 43 out of 401 appointments over July. A Department of Justice spokesperson said it was not known exactly how many appointments were cancelled because of Covid.

“The TPS is unable to confirm the exact number of appointments relating to health and rehabilitation cancelled specifically due to Covid-19 as cancellations occur for a number of reasons, including prisoners attending court, or because of staff or prisoner illness,” the spokesperson said.

“Rehabilitation and reintegration support continues to be provided at the TPS.”

Mr Barns said he was concerned mental health support would be affected.

“Everyone is entitled to health services,” he said.

The department spokesperson said mental health appointments were considered essential and the TPS ensured appointments were facilitated.

“When they cannot occur at the originally scheduled time, they are generally rescheduled for later the same day or the next day,” the spokesperson said.

“Where a prisoner is unable to be seen face-to-face, other methods are used, including appointments by telephone and Zoom, as well as an internal communications platform, which prisoners can use to contact therapeutic staff.”