PRISONERS
Hospitalized prisoners are just that – prisoners and must comply with the rules of the prison system. We do not give out information on prisoners to family/friend. Medical information is shared with the prison system and they share with family.
Prisoners can only have visitors with the permission of the prison system. In general, prisoners cannot have visitors UNLESS they are critically ill and expected to die.
Guards are usually provided by the Huron Valley district. They will speak with the prison and arrange transportation. You should check with them when making plans for the prisoner. THEY DO NOT MAKE DECISIONS. THE WARDEN DOES.
Do not discuss discharge plans with patient or family and especially do not discuss discharge dates.
While in the Huron Valley District, Huron Valley has jurisdiction and “takes control” of the prisoner. They need to be kept informed of patient’s health status (i.e. if critical and can have visitors; if near death, etc.). They notify family and next of kin about significant changes in status.
Huron Valley Health System Manager Judy Cox 572-9484 or Karla Bask Ogerdipe 572-9485 to handle medical issues
Warden’s administrative assistant 572-9399
Discussions of medical care is a doctor to doctor issue – doctors call to see if they can manage.
Foote Hospital in Jackson has a “secure unit” and can take non-complex hospital medical/surgical cases
Walter Reuther – in Jackson Prison is their infirmary – can take skilled nursing home type patients.
Prisons also have “nursing home” type facilities/beds.
When patients who are prisoner’s arrive, check that numbers and names are in the medical chart, staff know who to talk with and not to talk with. In planning discharge, speak with prison staff to identify names and who can make decisions and then discuss care needs. The prison appreciates knowing tentative discharge dates/times so they can arrange for staffing.
Sometimes there are political issues about decisions between Jackson and Huron Valley. Always clarify who contact people are that are making decisions – if in doubt talk with both.