FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                  DECEMBER 30, 2003

Ohio Prison System Releases Internal Examination Into

Delivery of Prison Health Care

(Columbus) – Today Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (DRC) Director Reginald A. Wilkinson released the findings from an internal health care review team regarding the delivery of prison health care provided to inmates.  Governor Bob Taft instructed DRC to hire an outside consultant and to form an internal review committee to recommend changes that would enhance the quality of health care at Ohio prisons. 

DRC contracted Dr. Steven Spencer, an independent medical consultant, who reviewed DRC policies in procedures in delivering quality health care.  Dr. Spencer’s findings were released on November 18, 2003.

The internal committee has completed its review and finalized its report.  The report will be available today at 10:30 a.m. at http://www.drc.state.oh.us/Public/medical.htm.  Various flowcharts, tables and appendices are not incorporated in the online version.  You can contact the DRC Public Information Office to receive a complete copy of of the report.       

For more information, please contact the DRC Public Information Office at (614) 752-1150.