MENTAL health can be a significant issue for prison inmates - but there has been some criticism of measures taken to ease the stress of jailbirds by NZ's Department of Corrections.
Apparently officials have spent more than NZ$1 million on slushie machines, in a bid to reduce tensions in the prison yard during a heat wave last year.
More than 190 machines were bought as a "preventive measure" last year during a period of record temperatures.
Violent incidents increase during hot conditions, with the department saying it needed to take measures to try to keep staff and prisoners safe.
"Research shows that the machines offer an immediate and effective means of significantly reducing core body temperature in excessive heat conditions, up to three times more effective when compared to drinking water," said Corrections Chief Neil Beales.
Who'd have thought there was a black market for colonoscopies?
Apparently there is, because police in Philadelphia are searching for a trio who broke into a hospital and stole $500,000 worth of colonoscopes.
CCTV shows two men and a woman driving up to the Lankenau Medical Centre in a four-wheel drive, later exiting with full backpacks containing the expensive instruments.
A total of 18 Olympus Adult and Paediatric colonoscopes were taken, according to officers, who confirmed they expected the devices would be sold on the black market.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 30 Apr 19
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