By C1 Staff
SIOUX CITY — Woodbury County Jail is currently fighting for more staffing, particularly in their medical department, as a rising tide of mentally ill inmates, those suffering from alcohol and drug withdrawal, and a myriad number of other issues threatens to overtake what little staff they have.
The Sioux City Journal reports that the County Board has turned down Sheriff Dave Drew twice in the request to spend $210,000 for more nurses.
Currently, the jail has an agreement with Mercy Medical Center-Sioux City until 2016. The center is contracted to provide 100 hours of medical assistance, but the center is expressing concern for overworking nurses and the potential liability.
Three nurses from the center visit the jail 15 hours a week to see to the 234 inmates incarcerated there – the rest of the time, medical needs are fulfilled by jail staff or inmates are transported by ambulance for emergencies beyond the staffs’ abilities.
Medical expenses for inmates have exceeded the amounts budgeted for the past four years, and Drew says he plans to push for more resources in the next budget.
County Board member Mark Monson said Drew has done a good job of explaining nursing needs, and said he would vote to add more staff. He said more than four nurses are needed for continuous coverage.
Another board member, Jackie Smith, has toured the jail to help with her decision. She said she would support adding more nursing staff but hasn’t settled on an exact number.