Coroner Calls for Urgent Review of Prisoner Mental Health Services Following Inmate Suicide
A Tasmanian coroner has issued a call for an urgent review of prisoner mental health services following an inquest into the suicide of Robert Harold Gerard at Risdon Prison in May 2022.
The inquest revealed concerning details about the state of mental health care within the prison system. Dr. Rajan Darjee, the statewide deputy specialty director for Forensic Mental Health, described the resourcing of Tasmania's prisoner mental health services as "the lowest I've come across in any developed country."
Mr. Gerard, who was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, was found to have experienced fluctuations in his condition throughout his 16 months in custody. Despite receiving medication and assessments, his mental health remained a significant concern.
Limited resources: The lack of sufficient mental health staff and resources meant that Mr. Gerard did not receive the level of care he required.
Due to the absence of the prison's only permanent psychiatrist, Mr. Gerard missed a crucial psychiatric review, potentially delaying necessary interventions.
Despite previous suicides by hanging at Risdon Prison, the coroner found that not enough had been done to remove hanging points, particularly in the medium-security area where Mr. Gerard died.
An urgent review of mental health services for prisoners: This review should assess the current level of resourcing and identify areas for improvement to ensure that prisoners receive adequate mental health care.
The government must commit to implementing the findings of the review to ensure compliance with national and international human rights obligations.
The coroner recommends the removal of as many hanging points as possible in Risdon Prison, particularly in the medium-security area, to prevent future suicides.
The coroner's findings raise serious concerns about the state of prisoner mental health care in Tasmania. The government must take immediate action to address the identified shortcomings and ensure that prisoners receive the mental health support they need.
The report also emphasizes the importance of considering the impact of inadequate mental health care on community safety. When prisoners leave custody with worsened mental health, it can have significant consequences for the broader community.
The Department of Justice has been contacted for a response to the coroner's recommendations and to provide information on any improvements made to mental health staffing and resourcing since Mr. Gerard's death.