Correctional Health Services
Who we are
Correctional health is a provincial service that provides primary health care and mental health and addictions services within a continuum including correctional institutions, detention facilities, the forensic in-patient unit and the Mental Health Court.
What we do
Correctional health
Correctional facility health services include:
- nursing assessments and interventions,
- medication management and delivery,
- diagnostic services,
- health promotion and prevention,
- opioid dependence therapy, and
- counselling, psychological and psychiatric services.
Correctional health services also provide discharge planning through a multidisciplinary approach.
Referrals may be made for additional services such as:
- dentistry,
- optometry,
- physiotherapy, and
- other specialists to outside health providers as needed.
Health services available at each correctional facility vary and may be provided virtually.
Forensic Unit
The Forensic Unit includes services and programs for those individuals with mental disorders who are involved with the justice system.
We offer a medium security hospital unit, North 4B, at the Waterford Hospital in St. John’s. We provide court ordered assessments, treatment for individuals under the Prisons Act, and detention and treatment of individuals who are found to be not criminally responsible (NCR) due to a mental disorder. Follow-up is provided after hospital discharge or after serving sentences.
The Mental Health Court assists individuals 18 years and older, who have involvement with the justice system, to re-establish themselves in the community.
For additional information on the Forensic Unit and Mental Health Court, please see ‘Mental Health – Forensics’ https://mha.easternhealth.ca/adults/forensic/
Who we see
Adults and youth who reside in a correctional or detention facility throughout the province.
The Forensic Unit and Mental Health Court work with adults aged 18 years and older.
Our team
Health services are provided by a multidisciplinary team of professionals:
- Nurse practitioners
- Registered nurses
- Licensed practical nurses
- Psychiatrists
- Clinical pharmacists
- Psychologists
- Social workers
- Addiction counsellors
- Administrative and clerical staff
- Occupational therapy (Forensic Unit)
- Recreation therapy (Forensic Unit)
How to access this service
Within correctional facilities and detention centres:
All clients receive an intake health assessment once they arrive at a correctional facility. The assessment involves a complete health screening and a review of medications.
Clients can self-refer to access health services if health concerns arise during their stay. The client can complete a health service request form by asking a correctional officer or health staff for assistance.
Psychiatry and psychology services are accessed as required through referral from members of the health-care team.
The Forensic Unit and Mental Health Court are accessed through the provincial court system.
Where we are
Correctional health services – Administration
Waterford Hospital, St. John’s, NL
Adult correctional facilities:
- Her Majesty’s Penitentiary (HMP) – St. John’s, NL
- Newfoundland and Labrador Correctional Centre for Women (NLCCW) – Clarenville, NL
- Bishops Falls Correctional Centre (BFCC) – Bishop’s Falls, NL
- West Coast Correctional Centre (WCCC) – Stephenville, NL
- Labrador Correctional Centre (LCC) – Goose Bay, Labrador
Adult detention facilities:
- St. John’s Lock Up – St. John’s, NL
- Corner Brook Detention Centre – Corner Brook, NL
Youth correctional facilities:
- Newfoundland and Labrador Youth Centre – Whitbourne, NL
Forensic Unit, Waterford Hospital, St. John’s, NL
Mental Health Court, 294 Waterford Bridge Road, St. John’s, NL A1E 1E6
Hours of operation
Administrative office: Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The hours of operation for correctional facilities are site-specific. The schedule is different as health staff work on different days to provide services to clients.
How to reach us
Telephone: 709-777-3951 (administrative office)
Client and Family Advisory Council
Correctional Health Services is creating a Client and Family Advisory Council to create a forum where clients and family members with lived experience can provide insight, advice, and support on a person-centred approach to the correctional health experience.
We are recruiting!
We are looking for volunteer clients and family members who have experience with correctional health services to be part of the Client and Family Advisory Council.
- Are you looking for a meaningful volunteer opportunity?
- Are you a past or present client, or a family member of someone who has spent time in a correctional centre in Newfoundland and Labrador?
- Are you a past or present client, or family member of someone who received services on the Forensic Unit?
- Are you willing to share your experiences with us to make a positive impact in correctional health services?
If you’ve answered yes to ALL of these questions, you can become a client and family advisor for correctional health!
How to apply
Call Client and Family-Centred Care at 709-777-6777, or email us at client.familyadvisors@easternhealth.ca.
To learn more about other volunteer opportunities, please visit Volunteer Services.