Prisoner’s claim over threeweek delay in getting antibiotics disputed

THE Department of Corrections says an Invercargill remand prisoner who claimed it took three weeks to get antibiotics, causing him to almost lose his leg, received the necessary medication a day after the infection was detected.

On Thursday, Corey Campbell (39) appeared in the Invercargill District Court where Judge John BrandtsGiesen sentenced him to seven months, one week home detention on five charges of driving while disqualified, failing to give a blood specimen, operating a vehicle causing injury, sustained loss of traction, possession of cannabis, possession of two

Tasers and breach of bail. In submissions during sentencing, Campbell’s lawyer Keith Owen said Campbell had broken his leg after he crashed into oncoming traffic.

While on remand in prison, Campbell’s leg became infected.

‘‘It took the prison three weeks to get antibiotics to him. He almost lost his leg,’’ Mr Owen said.

He requested Campbell be sentenced to home detention so he could get ready access to ongoing medical treatment.

Corrections southern region health operations director Jill Thomson said yesterday health staff were made aware of Campbell’s injuries prior to his arrival at Invercargill prison.

‘‘As with normal practice, he was assessed on his arrival.

Health staff carried out daily assessments and he was transported to all external medical appointments on the days they were scheduled,’’ she said.

It was while Campbell was at one of his external appointments the infection was detected, and within 24 hours the pharmacy had filled the prescription, she said.

‘‘He was then provided his medication at the prescribed times.’’

Judge BrandtsGiesen also disqualified Campbell from driving for 18 months and ordered him to pay $3000 reparation.

He also ordered destruction of the Taser, drugs and paraphernalia and remitted $4566.30 of outstanding fines.