Maintaining good health after release
Following your release from custody, there will be a transition period as you move back into society, which may feel overwhelming. It’s important that you continue to engage with health care services to maintain good health and mental wellbeing and to access a medical support network.
There are many free and confidential health services available for you.
Self-care
Self-care will look different for everybody, and the key is finding ways that work for you. Here are some activities that might work for you:
- meditation
- exercising
- listening to music
- reading
- catch up with family and friends
- gardening.
Find out more about how some people balanced their lives through the ups and downs. Remember to start fresh every day.
Chronic disease management (Integrated Care Services)
Integrated Care Services is for people with chronic, long-lasting or serious health problems.
We help with referrals and information regarding your health. If you have:
- cancer
- diabetes
- heart disease
- breathing problems
- other serious health conditions.
We’re available on 1800 CALL JH (1800 225 554) Monday to Friday from 8am to 4.30pm. We can also help you book a doctor’s appointment and organise referrals to see a specialist and much more.
COVID-19 vaccination
If you've had your COVID-19 vaccination provided by Justice Health NSW but you are missing the vaccination details in your immunisation history, contact us by emailing JHFMHN-COVID19VaccRecords-Error@health.nsw.gov.au to allow Justice Health NSW to investigate any potential issues with your vaccination.
Drug and alcohol
The following services can support you with drug and alcohol treatment, referrals, information and advice.
If you were receiving OAT medication (methadone, suboxone or subutex) in custody and have just been released, you'll have ongoing OAT dosing arranged for you in the community.
If it's a weekend or public holiday, you'll need to go to the clinic you were dosing OAT at before you came into custody or your nearest public OAT clinic and tell them you have just been released from gaol. They will contact us on our on-call phone line. If your clinic is closed, call the Opioid Treatment Line on 1800 642 428.
If you're unsure where to go or what to do, please call Justice Health NSW Drug and Alcohol Services on (02) 9700 2101 Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm or email JHFMHN-DischargePlanning@health.nsw.gov.au.
The Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) is a statewide 24 hour, 7 day confidential telephone support service which provides advice, information and referral to drug and alcohol related agencies. ADIS can provide advice related to alcohol or other drugs matters or contact details for any agency that provides drug and alcohol services.
Call ADIS: (02) 9361 8088 or 1800 42 2599 (country NSW callers) 24 hours, 7 days a week.
The Stimulant Treatment Line is a helpline if you have questions about psychostimulants (ice, cocaine, ecstasy) use. STL operates a 24 hour, 7 day a week phone line offering advice, support, referral, and counselling for people concerned about stimulants.
Call STL: (02) 8382 1088 or 1800 10 11 88 (country NSW callers) 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Mental health support
NSW Health provides a statewide Mental Health Line which is available 24 hours, 7 days a week across NSW for people in the community. Call 1800 011 511.
The Mental Health Helpline of Justice Health NSW does not operate in respect of patients held at privately operated correctional facilities, including Parklea and Clarence Correctional Centres.
Pharmacy
Prescription medicines can only be obtained from someone who can prescribe them such as your doctor. Dentists, optometrists, midwives and nurse practitioners may also be authorised to prescribe medicines for you.
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme helps cover the cost of a wide range of prescription medicines so that they are more affordable for you.
Eligibility
If you’re an Australian resident or a visitor from a country with a Reciprocal Healthcare Agreement with Australia, you could get your medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Eligible veterans, war widowers and their dependents can get PBS medicines plus some other medicines at a lower cost under the Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (RPBS).
Claiming PBS medicines
If you are eligible and PBS medicines are prescribed to you, you will only need to pay a co-payment. To make sure you pay the right amount for your medicines, each time you get a prescription filled you must show the pharmacist your current:
- Medicare card
- a concession, health care or Department of Veterans’ Affairs card, if you have one
- PBS Safety Net card if you have one.
Where to get help
- Your doctor or other prescriber
- Your local pharmacist
- Medicines Line (Australia) 1300 633 424 – for information on prescription, over-the-counter and complementary medicines
- JH&FMHN Pharmacy Service (02) 9700 3090
Public dental
Free dental care is available at NSW public dental clinics for:
- all children under 18 years of age
- adults who hold any of the following Centrelink concession cards:
- Pensioner Concession Card
- Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
- Health Care Card
Anyone listed on your card is also eligible for free public oral health care.
All patients must be eligible for Medicare and should have a valid Medicare card.
Call your Local Health District public dental call centre number:
Local Health District | Phone Number |
|---|---|
Sydney metro South Western Sydney | |
South Eastern Sydney | |
Northern NSW Mid North Coast Hunter New England |
|
Central Coast | |
Northern Sydney | |
| Illawarra Shoalhaven | 1300 369 651 |
Murrumbidgee Southern NSW | |
Western Sydney Nepean Blue Mountains | 1300 739 949 (Land line only) |
Far West Western NSW |
You need to seek medical attention if you are experiencing the following:
- bleeding in the mouth that will not stop
- swelling of the face from tooth infection
- recent injury to your teeth.
What should I do?
- After hours you should go to your local hospital’s emergency department
- During working hours you should call your Local Health District public dental call centre
Useful links
Contact Justice Health NSW
More options to contact us.
Contact our Families and Carers Consultant:
JHFMHN-FamilyAndCarer@health.nsw.gov.au
General health enquiries:
JHFMHN-CLO@health.nsw.gov.au
Post: PO Box 150, Matraville NSW 2036
Phone: (02) 9700 3000