NSW Justice Health & Forensic Mental Health Network

We're excited to kick off our new Monthly Milestones series - bringing some of the incredible work our teams are doing behind the scenes into the spotlight 🌟 To start the year off on a high note, our Research team hit the ground running, publishing findings into the health literacy of patients in our high-secure Forensic Hospital. This was delivered as a result of forming strong collaborative research agreements - integral to making sure we identify areas for change and act on them accordingly. Visit our website to read the findings and learn more about our organisation: https://lnkd.in/gRH2X9wD #JusticeHealthNSW #JustThePlace #MonthlyMilestone

At Justice Health NSW, your community is our community. Our nurses, doctors and allied health professionals care for young people and adults who have come into contact with the justice system, in prisons, mental health facilities, youth justice centres and courts. Our patients are everyday people. They are mothers, fathers, sons and daughters – who are facing some of the most challenging times in their lives. Our message is simple, no matter who you are or where you are from – we are here for you. #JusticeHealthNSW

Want to make someone smile? 😁 We are currently seeking a Dental Assistant to be based out of Junee, situated in the Riverina region of New South Wales. In this part-time role, you will be responsible for supporting the dental clinician in the provision of high standard dental services to patients in Junee Correctional Centre. Apply now: https://lnkd.in/gtNaTw3g Read more about the other roles we have currently available: https://lnkd.in/gHgfHSKP #JusticeHealthNSW #JustThePlace

Don’t miss out! Abstract submissions are closing soon for the 2025 Health Care in Secure Settings conference.   We are accepting both oral and poster abstracts on topics relating to, and advancing, practice, programs, policy and research in custodial and forensic mental health care settings. 🧠 Submissions close 4pm, Friday 7 March 2025 📅 31 July - 1 August 2025 📍 Sydney International Convention Centre Visit the conference website for more details 👉 https://lnkd.in/e75gRS5H

Want to be part of a supportive environment, where you can apply your skills to address complex healthcare needs? Justice Health NSW is #JustThePlace. We’re currently looking for a Performance and Strategy Coordinator to drive organisational performance improvement by providing analysis, monitoring, and advice on performance against KPIs and service measures within our Strategic Plan and Service Agreement with the NSW Ministry of Health. Interested? View the role and apply now: https://lnkd.in/guFwSAm7 #JusticeHealthNSW

This week we were delighted to welcome both our Custodial Health and Mental Health New Graduates for 2025! Each of our programs enable newly qualified registered nurses to work in a supportive environment alongside clinical experts and provide world class healthcare. Congratulations everyone! We can't wait to see what you all achieve over the coming year. To learn more about our Graduate Nurse Programs, visit: https://lnkd.in/g8DUy2Q4 #justtheplace #justicehealthnsw

Introducing our #HealthCareHero for this month, Endorsed Enrolled Nurse Kerri!   Kerri has seen it all in her all-encompassing 40-year career including looking after rockstars in palliative care.   “I’ve done a little bit of everything. I worked in diversional therapy, got my rehab certificate, and did palliative care at David Berry Hospital for 22 years.”   “Back when I started, your parents decided what you did! So when I turned 16, Mum and Dad said I was going to be a nurse. But I loved it from day one. It was so fun and I felt really safe within the group I was in.”   After an extended stint working community-based palliative care, Kerri is now in her tenth year at Justice Health NSW, where she landed when she decided it was time to expand her skills and knowledge.   “I had a curiosity for the custodial system, and my own philosophy is just giving things a go. I had previously worked in mental health and teaching those patients life skills.”    “I’m fortunate enough to run clinics, do blood tests, drug and alcohol assessments, packing and administering medications. My passion is patient-centred care, and they give me the scope to do that here.   A lot of these guys haven’t seen a doctor or are scared to receive treatment, they have been brought up in an environment which makes them cautious of it. It’s about building trust with them.”   What makes Kerri’s day though is hearing about how her patients are doing, as she works closely with the Connections team who support patients after they have been released.   “I get messages from the Connections team to let me know that patients are doing well. I just hope the patients are listening to me when I say you can do this! I think if you can plant that seed, then it does make a little bit of a difference in their lives.”   Kerri actually didn’t think she would be successful when applying for the job at Justice Health NSW because of her age, but now 10 years in, she has absolutely no plans of retiring anytime soon.   “I’m 63, going on 64, and I have no thoughts of retiring. I love the students that we get here and being able to mentor them as someone who is a bit more of an old school nurse.”   “Last year I was nominated for Justice Health NSW Nurse of the Year, which was a huge honour to me. I’ve done nursing for 40 years and it meant the world to just be recognised with that nomination.” Thank you Kerri! If you'd like to learn more about a career with Justice Health NSW, visit our website: https://lnkd.in/g5zx_krR

A groundbreaking collaboration across NSW Health could transform Hepatitis C testing for people at risk. The Dried Blood Spot (DVS) test has been validated for diagnosing Hepatitis C by a collaboration between NSW Health, @Justic Health, @NSW Pathology and @MidNorthCoastLHD . This means making DBS testing a standard diagnostic tool – the first of its kind in Australia. Find out more about the testing and why it won a 2024 Health Award here: https://lnkd.in/gh_ytkeP

NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce addresses the appalling video posted on social media featuring NSW Health staff today, publicly condemning the views expressed and behaviour demonstrated and reassuring the public that every person in NSW receives safe, respectful care in our hospitals. NSW Health is committed to fostering an environment of respect and inclusivity while providing quality care to all people in the many diverse communities of NSW. This disturbing video has caused distress and we can assure you we are treating this matter incredibly seriously.

The Patients’ Experience and Perceptions Study looks at how Justice Health NSW measures and reports patients’ healthcare experiences. Read all of the findings here: https://lnkd.in/gRH2X9wD