TL/DR –
A federal inspection has revealed serious healthcare issues at the Federal Detention Center in SeaTac, with many healthcare positions left unfilled and inmates suffering from untreated medical conditions. The report highlighted a lack of resources, unattended medical requests, and unsanitary conditions among other issues. The acting inspector general recommended the detention center double its Health Services Department and regularly review all sick requests, as well as perform preventive healthcare screenings.
Severe Health Care Concerns Found at SeaTac Federal Detention Center
An unannounced federal inspection has revealed serious health care issues at the Federal Detention Center in SeaTac. The report, released by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of the Inspector General, found that the center had filled only three of its nine nursing positions and one of its two pharmacist positions.
The SeaTac facility, which is distinct from the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, also had half of its health service positions vacant last winter. This included the clinical director position which had remained unfilled for almost two years.
Inspection Reveals Inadequate Healthcare Systems
The inspection found the facility, which can accommodate up to 1,000 federal prisoners and individuals awaiting trial, had delays in treating both routine and serious health conditions. It also noted a backlog of laboratory orders for all inmates, including those with chronic conditions, and delays in health intake screenings and tests.
As of November, SeaTac had a backlog of 480 blood draw orders that were overdue by more than 30 days. Without blood test results, inmates with chronic conditions like diabetes could not be appropriately monitored. More worryingly, out of 29 serious medical requests involving issues like respiratory distress and severe pain, 18 were never attended to by a healthcare provider.
Recommendations and Criticisms
The inspection report pushed for SeaTac to adjust its process to log all inmate sick calls, regularly review the age and status of all sick requests, and perform preventive healthcare screenings. Severe criticisms of the facility’s healthcare system came from Washington Democratic Sen. Patty Murray who declared the conditions at the detention center “unacceptable.”
The senator plans to reach out to the Federal Bureau of Prisons regarding this report, expressing that significant improvements are needed to ensure federal detainees receive the necessary health care.
The inspection also found signs of minor maintenance issues at SeaTac, like leaking pipes, water damage, inconsistent shower temperatures, and evidence of rodent infestation in two areas.
This inspection, along with others like it, is mandated by federal law to ensure the safety and well-being of the detainees.
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