introduction of medication protocols,
prescribing standards and practices, and the
containment of drug costs.

By 1997, two significant drug initiatives were
undertaken. First, the list of medications for
self-administration was expanded.
Self-administration encourages greater
responsibility for medications in an inmate's
possession that have no risk of abuse or
overdose. This practice also enables inmates to
be less dependent on health care providers for
drugs with complex administration times (e.g.
medication for AIDS) or that need to be taken
at meals.

In addition to the self-administration policy, the
Branch instituted a list of over-the-counter
medications—compiled by the P&TC—tfor
purchase by inmates from the canteen. This
practice not only promoted responsible
self-care, it also reduced the need for inmates to
consult with doctors before accessing these
common preparations. The same result was
achieved in more recent years with the
introduction of Nicoderm, which can be
purchased by inmates. Nicoderm helps inmates
to gain independence and control over a
nicotine addiction and quit smoking. By
expanding the list of available drugs in the
canteen, the Branch kept pace with the growing
demand for non-prescription medications.

During this period, annual health care
conferences brought together individuals from
adult and youth correctional centres.
Participants included correctional officers, and
staff in health care services, administration, and
occupational health and safety. Other attendees
represented provincial ministries involved in
the corrections system, Correctional Service of
Canada, hospitals, professional health

associations and non-governmental
organizations.

Conference topics covered occupational health
and safety, security and enforcement, migrant
health, drug overdose prevention, fetal alcohol
syndrome, mental illness and methadone
treatment. Administrative, ethical and political
subjects were also considered. For health care
workers involved in the Continuing Medical
Education program, conference participation
was accredited by the Canadian College of
Family Practice.

Organizational improvements enabled better
management of health services. In 1996, the
Nursing Consultant Group was established.
The group assists the Director of Health
Services and the Branch with nursing standards
and bilateral communication on nursing and
critical care issues. A compendium of policies,
procedures, protocols, P&TC reports, nursing
standards and ADM directives was also
distributed and periodically updated. In
addition, a formal peer-review process was
instituted under the supervision of Dr. Diane
Rothon, Director of Health Services. Based on
these reviews, Dr. Rothon forwards
recommendations to District Directors about
needed changes to health care.

In 1997-98, Dr. James Ogloft reviewed delivery
of mental health services in the Corrections
Branch and reported that it lacked “an
overarching plan or focus.” He also observed
no consistency in the identification of mentally
ill inmates, or delivery of mental health services
in correctional centres. Despite the lack of a
central plan, many individual programs and
projects worked well.

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Corrections in British Columbia