Indigenous prisoner used pencil sharpener and tweezers on ingrown toenail after healthcare delay

In a report into Indigenous healthcare in Victorian prisons, the ombudsman said the lack of input from First Nations people was having a ‘devastating’ effect on their health. Photograph: Jono Searle/AAP

An Indigenous prisoner used a pencil sharpener and tweezers to treat an ingrown toenail after delays in seeing a doctor to assess the painful condition, with the Victorian ombudsman criticising the healthcare provided to First Nations people in custody.

In a report into the healthcare for Indigenous prisoners, tabled in parliament on Wednesday, the ombudsman said the lack of input from First Nations people into the culturally informed policies was having a “devastating” effect on their health outcomes.