If healthcare does not receive signed consent form from the patient visit can be denied.   

Booking Medical (Consulting) Room:

1.  Letter – fax to healthcare of the centre with the name of the patient, date and time of the visit as well as contact details of the doctor (to confirm the visit).
2.  GMC certificate (valid) including GMC number.
3.  Refer to patient’s signed consent

Above documents must be faxed to healthcare of the centre (FAO: manager) prior to a visit (at least 24 hours).

Booking Legal Room:

Legal Room can be used for a medical visit when consulting room is not available at healthcare.  A full physical examination may not be possible for reasons of inadequate privacy or equipment.

No written request needed. Room can be booked over the phone through main reception prior to a visit (24 hour).

Visitors Lounge

Best to arrange this beforehand on the phone with the patient if possible.  No prior permission needed from detention centre.  No physical examination possible other than observation, but a full history can be taken and a mental state examination carried out.  Writing materials may be restricted here.

In order to get into detention centre doctors must produce a photographic ID and be prepared for the security check (search).  Your medical bag is allowed, but will be searched.  Allow 30 mins  from arrival to start seeing your patient.

For help with arranging medical visits to detention centres contact Maria on 07786 488523 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it