Page 4807 - Week 15 - Thursday, 16 December 1993

Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .

MINISTER FOR HOUSING AND COMMUNITY SERVICES

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTION

QUESTION NO. 1118

Belconnen Remand Centre - Psychiatric

Nurse Positions

MRS CARNELL - asked the Minister for Housing and Community Services Are there two vacant positions for psychiatric nurses at the Belconnen Remand Centre; if so,

(a) how long have these positions been vacant;

(b) what efforts are being made to fill these positions and

MR CONNOLLY - The answer to the Members question is as follows:

(a) There are two psychiatric nurse positions attached to the Belconnen

Remand Centre. Of these two positions, one has been vacant since 3

June 1993, following the resignation of the nominal occupant.

The second position has been vacant from 5 July 1993, following

redeployment of the nurse on medical grounds. The position is

nominally held by this officer, and is thus not available for permanent

filling.

(b) Alternative arrangements have been made. A Welfare Officer has been employed full-time at the Centre since September 1993 to counsel and address the needs of all detainees at the Centre, and to ensure that these needs are addressed. The Forensic Psychologist employed by Mental Health Branch also attends detainees on request.

In addition, a permanent part-time general health nurse based at the facility administers medication prescribed by the visiting general practitioner or psychiatrist. A medical officer is also available to attend to the needs of detainees, on request. As well all detainees have unrestricted access to their own doctors and medical support services. Should it be deemed necessary, in the event of a critical incident occurring, detainees are seen at the Remand Centre by a psychiatrist or transported to the Woden Valley Hospital Psychiatric Unit.

Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .