This study of prisoner deaths over an 11-year period from 1973-83 included all those who died from any cause while detained in an institution of the South Australian Department of Correctional Services. There were 31 deaths in all, of which 10 were suicides. Details regarding all deaths are provided & the discussion includes comments pertaining to death rates as a blunt measure of health care. The author calls for a health care improvement program for correctional facilities. 11 Refs. (LH)