The present study aims, in a certain sense, to “open the door” on the prison world as regards health care. First, a historical review is presented of health care provision in prisons from ancient times, including a legislative overview following the Decree of the President of the Council of Ministers of 1 April 2008, a decree that enacted the transfer to the Italian National Health Service of responsibility for health services inside penal institutions, this having been previously managed by the Ministry of Justice.
Next, health service provision to inmates from entry into a penal institution to release is reviewed within the context of the Emilia-Romagna region. The initial reception stage is the first contact that inmates have with prison health care. Their condition of health is assessed along with their possible addiction to toxic substances. The second stage involves day to day procedures including acute events and monitoring of inmates with chronic pathologies. The final stage is at release and includes issue to the inmate of a letter of release for the doctor who will provide subsequent health care and, if necessary, medication for a number of days in order to ensure continuity of therapy.
In the prison context first priority is given to security and in this respect it is not permitted for an inmate to remain alone with a member of the nursing staff and all procedures are conducted in the presence of a police officer.
Numerous foreign citizens are present inside prisons, with different cultures, religions, and conceptions of good health.
It is possible to encounter drug addicts, for whom assistance is provided by the nursing staff in collaboration with SerT.
In the prison context attention must be paid to the risk of suicide and its management. Significant measures must be taken for prevention, and resolution when it occurs.
The final chapter deals with the management of emergencies and hospitahospitalization within the Modena area.
