28 May 2019

Corrections may face legal action over inmate's death

From Morning Report, 7:23 am on 28 May 2019

Corrections are waiting to hear if the department will face legal action over the death of a female inmate who died of advanced gastric cancer after not being cared for properly in prison.

When first jailed in 2016, the woman had a diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome. But within two months she had started complaining of a burning throat, vomiting and nausea.

After several more complaints and two separate doctor visits, she was supplied with medication, but her symptoms persisted. Eventually she was transferred to hospital, where she died in 2017.

Corrections has admitted it failed to provide adequate care.

Rachel Leota is the department's national commissioner. She talks to Susie Ferguson.