Cristina Sotomayor – Castillo1,2, Tracey Jones1, Marian Bloomfield1, Jane Connolly1, Camilla Lobo1
1Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network, Matraville, NSW, Australia
2The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
Introduction
Monitoring notifiable conditions (NC) plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the population’s health by capturing and tracking the occurrence of specific diseases that have the potential to pose significant risks. In the custodial setting, this plays a critical role in maintaining the health and wellbeing of incarcerated individuals, but also safeguarding the broader community once they are released. Due to the unique challenges and circumstances inherent in custodial environments, the risk of infectious diseases and other health-related events can be amplified. By implementing an ongoing robust system for monitoring NC, the spread of diseases can be mitigated, ensuring the provision of timely and appropriate healthcare. Aim: To highlight the unique processes implemented by Justice Health NSW (JHNSW) to collect, analyse and report NC-related data as a unique state-wide Public Health Unit.
Methods
Observational study outlining the implemented processes for the monitoring and reporting of various NC.
Results
Monitoring NC in the custodial setting encompasses crucial aspects that contribute to the overall health and wellbeing of incarcerated individuals and the broader community. JHNSW conducts a unique Public Health Unit-like role, overseen the early detection and rapid response against NC in government and privately operated correctional facilities across the state.
Conclusions
The outcome of monitoring NC in the custodial setting is a comprehensive and proactive approach which helps to protect the health and wellbeing of incarcerated individuals and minimize the risk of spreading infectious diseases to the broader community.
Biography
Cristina is the recently appointed state-wide Surveillance Officer for Justice Health NSW, leading this unique Public Health Unit which monitors all notifiable condition-related events involving patients under custody across all 36 custodial facilities in the state. She is also a Research Affiliate with Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery at The University of Sydney, with teaching and research experience in the fields of infectious diseases, and infection prevention and control.