Prison report in female inmate's death denounced as 'totally ridiculous' by family
Brett Ruskin | CBC News | Posted: January 12, 2017 10:30 AM | Last Updated: January 12, 2017
Report calls staff response in Veronica Park's death 'timely and appropriate'
An internal investigation by Correctional Service Canada has made no recommendations and found no room for improvement after the death of an inmate in a Nova Scotia prison.
Veronica Park, a 38-year-old woman from Corner Brook, N.L., died April 24, 2015, while serving a three-year sentence at the Nova Institution for Women in Truro, N.S., for robbery and breach of recognizance.
CBC News recently obtained the report through an access to information request filed nearly two years ago.
'Response was timely and appropriate'
Park complained of a cough and breathing difficulties on April 23, 2015, according to the report and statements by her family members. The report says she "was assessed, given a puffer and returned to her cell."
The cough worsened and she complained of shortness of breath. The next morning, Park was found gasping for air and was taken to hospital where she died.
"Staff response was timely and appropriate, and was compliant with policy," the report said.
The section titled "Area for Improvement" has a one-word entry: "None."
'Totally ridiculous'
"This is just totally ridiculous," said Marion Park, Veronica's sister.
Following Veronica's death, the Correctional Service Canada withheld information from the family and the media, delivered Park's clothes and personal belongings during a family birthday party, and told the family they would have to file an Access to Information request to learn her cause of death.
"All we've wanted was answers about how Veronica died," Marion Park said.
The family is now suing Correctional Service Canada (CSC), alleging negligence and wrongful death.
CSC says Park was crushing and inhaling the prescription medication of other inmates, which contributed to her death.
The lawsuit is still before the courts.
'Committed to learning all it can'
Correctional Service Canada said it couldn't comment on whether any changes were made following Park's death.
"As Ms. Park's death is currently the subject of legal proceedings, it would be inappropriate to comment on these matters," said an emailed statement from a government communications official.
"However, we can tell you that CSC is committed to learning all it can to ensure that future deaths can be prevented."