Hello OCNIG Members:
From time to time, OCNIG is invited to stakeholder consultations and given an opportunity to comment/make suggestions for change. With an executive committee composed of front-line nurses and nursing managers we have perspective into current issues. We are seeking direction from our membership to ensure that our conversations align with the perspective of our general membership as well. Please consider these two topics and provide your input by emailing us at ontariocorrectionalnurses@gmail.com:
HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
- What can be done to improve recruitment and retention of nurses?
- How can the Ministry effectively support their nurses?
- Are changes needed in the nursing scope of practice? Is so, please explain.
HEALTH OF INCARCERATED INDIVIDUALS
- What core health care/mental health services should be readily available or easily accessible to all inmates?
- Is a tiered approach to care services based on length of time in custody a reasonable option?
- How can we ensure timely refers to specialists?
- Do current intake and screening processes for mental health and addictions need to be improved? If so, how?
- How can we better manage infectious disease and public health risks i.e. hepatitis, HIV care, outbreaks, immunization, etc.
- What does the ideal substance-use disorder treatment look like in correctional facilities?
- How do we improve health equity i.e. meet the needs of Indigenous and African-Canadians, women, trans and gender-diverse populations?
- What new harm reduction approaches should be piloted?
Things are changing and the time for input is now. Please take some time to critically think about these things and share your thoughts with us. Your opinion matters!