A recent coroner’s inquest surrounding the passing of a Wiikwemkoong First Nation individual at Sudbury Jail has brought attention to enduring issues in correctional health care across Ontario. Sara-Jane Berghammer, CEO of the John Howard Society of Sudbury, expressed her lack of surprise at the reports of understaffing and absence of overnight medical support at the jail. She emphasized that inmate health falls under corrections, not the Ministry of Health, resulting in inadequate care.
The inquest delved into the case of Justin Alexander Trudeau, a 44-year-old who died from pneumonia and blood poisoning due to an antibiotic-resistant bacterial infection shortly after entering Sudbury Jail in 2021. Following testimonies from medical professionals and correctional staff, the jury put forth 13 recommendations to prevent similar tragedies. Suggestions included enhancing health-care staffing, improving communication between guards and nurses, and upgrading facilities for better monitoring.
Berghammer lamented the recurrence of similar recommendations post-inquest without substantial changes being implemented. The government is not obligated to act on these recommendations. Meanwhile, the Ministry of the Solicitor General highlighted significant investments in corrections but did not address the specific issues raised.
Chronic understaffing in correctional facilities, as noted by Berghammer and correctional officer Ken Steinbrenner, persists, with reliance on agency nurses exacerbating the problem. Overcrowding and increased violence further compound the challenges faced by staff and inmates. Moreover, Adam Cygler, a social worker at the Ontario Correctional Institute, pointed out the strain on health care due to rising inmate populations and stagnant staffing levels.
To address these issues, Cygler advocated for better compensation packages to attract and retain staff. Despite the difficulties, health-care professionals, including nurses, continue to provide dedicated care. Berghammer emphasized the importance of providing basic health care to inmates, underscoring their rights and the necessity for reintegration into society.
The inaction on these critical issues is attributed to the substantial investment required and societal stigma associated with incarcerated individuals. However, prioritizing the health and rights of inmates is vital for their successful reentry into society.
