NCDAC
But it is not just the cost savings that make the new system so welcome , because the decreased movement of offenders attending healthcare appointments outside of prison has increased safety , both for prison staff and the public .
It is also much better for prisoners ’ welfare , says Glenn .
“ It helps maintain their dignity because they ’ re not visible in public in shackles and handcuffs ,” he explains . “ Plus , they don ’ t lose pay from the jobs they do in the facilities , as hospital and doctor rides might take four or five hours each way . Now , they ’ re simply escorted into the telehealth room .”
But with 54 prisons to run , setting up the telehealth service was no easy feat , says Glenn . He explains that purchasing and implementing all the equipment and medical peripherals was the first step .
Dr Gary Junker , PhD , HSP-P Deputy Secretary for Comprehensive Health Services stated : “ We are extremely pleased with our telehealth expansion over the past several years . What started as primarily telepsychiatry , the telehealth network expanded during the pandemic and has continued to grow since that time .
“ Our telehealth team in collaboration with Information Technology , and supported by dedicated staff at each correctional facility , has managed to improve the quality of healthcare
10 dac . nc . gov