Guide to healthcare in prison
Part of the Prison topic
Understand how prisoner healthcare is managed in Queensland.
On this page
Getting a health assessment
Prisoners have a health assessment when they enter prison to assess immediate needs and ongoing conditions.
Onsite prisoner health staff can diagnose and treat conditions, prescribe medicine and help with most health needs including:
- x-rays and diagnostic tests
- mental health help and counselling
- dental checkups and procedures
- sexual health services and testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- medicine and pharmaceuticals, including opioid replacement therapy
- alcohol and drug counselling and treatment programs
- preventative health programs, such as breast screening.
The prisoner health team can prescribe all medicines on Queensland's list of approved medicines.
Mental healthcare
Prisoners can talk to health staff at any time about:
- mental health and wellbeing
- feeling distressed, anxious or depressed
- alcohol and other drugs
- relationships
- managing life in prison.
They can help prisoners manage mild to moderate symptoms with treatment and support. They can also refer prisoners to specialist services.
If you're Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, you can ask to talk with someone who understands your culture.
Specialist appointments and emergency care
If prisoners need to see a specialist offsite, or have a test or procedure we don't offer in prison, prisoner health staff will arrange their care and an escort.
You can ask to see a private specialist if you prefer, but you’ll need to pay for your appointment, prison escorts and transport.
In an emergency, an ambulance will take you to the emergency department at a public hospital. You will be escorted to and from the hospital, and while you get treatment.
End of life care
Prisoners have the right to compassionate end of life support in prison, including palliative care and voluntary assisted dying.
We'll connect you with services that will:
- help you understand your health and any choices you have about your treatment and care
- support your choices and help you make a care plan
- coordinate your care inside and outside of prison
- offer emotional, spiritual and cultural support
- support your family, friends and relationships.
Healthcare professionals in prison
Queensland Health provides health care for people in prison through their Hospital and Health Services (HHS).
Your prison health team will include medical, nursing and allied health professionals.
Health professionals in the prison will keep your health information confidential unless:
- you agree that we can share it with Corrective Services
- there's a health emergency.