Corrections rap

Corrections has been referred to the Director of Proceedings for failing to provide adequate care to an inmate who eventually died of advanced gastric cancer. Deputy Health and Disability Commissioner Kevin Allan made the referral, the most severe recommendation he could make, in a report released yesterday. He said Corrections failed in its responsibility to ensure she received services of an appropriate standard. He said a doctor, nurse and Corrections should all apologise to the woman’s family. In response, Corrections provided evidence of staff training and hired an independent educator to train nursing staff on commonly presenting health conditions. Corrections also commissioned an independent review.