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Provision of Evidence of unfitness for detention by independent doctors |
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Written by Administrator
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Following discussions with Stuart Hyde (formerly Strategic Director Enforcement and Removals, BIA), it was agreed that there is a duty upon BIA officers on site at detention centres to assist independent doctors in bringing medical facts relevant to decisions to detain, to the attention of BIA caseworkers, who have a duty to consider such facts.
This option is best used only in emergencies or where no legal representative is acting for the detainee. Examples include: advanced pregnancy contra-indicating removal, evidence of torture, psychological and medical risk/harm in detention etc..... In several instances, this has proved a valuable and time saving method for independent doctors to protect and assist patients they have seen and has had led to release by means of Temporary Admission / Chief Immigration Officer bail. In brief: - The independent doctor contacts the onsite immigration office at the detention centre and requests the name and contact details of the caseworker, who may work out of an immigration office anywhere in the country.
- The independent Doctor contacts the caseworker and brings medical facts to their attention verbally with written follow-up. This could be copied to Brian Pollett (Detention Services, BIA) or higher within the Home Office, or the press, MP if necessary and deemed appropriate, having had full consent from the detainee to do so).
- The independent Doctor requests release for medical not legal reasons. This is important - independent doctors are not generally licensed qualified or registered by the relevant authorities to give legal advice or make legal representations.
May 2nd 2007
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 16 August 2007 )
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