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Practical consequences of new protocol for visits by independent doctors PDF Print E-mail
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Previously, it was necessary for a form to be faxed to the detainee to sign and fax back, then for the signed form to be faxed to the detention centre health centre. One consequence of the new agreement is that this is unnecessary. The new protocol is that:

a) The Detention Centre health centre must keep blank forms available for detainees to sign, as per last page of protocol.

b) The detainee and doctor (or Medical Justice volunteer responsible for processing referrals) speak and the detainee is given the name of the independent doctor and a possible date of the medical visit (not guaranteed).

c) Detainee signs the form in the detention centre health centre and informs their independent doctor (or Medical Justice) that this has been done. This step is essential to avoid any claim by the Detention Centre of the absence of such a signed form.

d) The independent Doctor (or Medical Justice) negotiates time and place of visit with the detention centre health centre.

Visitors and supporters of the detainee MUST NOT attempt to organise medical visits themselves. Visitors that have attempted to do this have caused serious problems for detainees and for independent doctors.

This protocol requires the Detention Centre to provide all medical notes in their possession to the visiting independent doctor. There have been frequent episodes of violation of this clause. Detention Centre medical notes should, but often do not, contain prescription and fluid balance charts and handwritten nursing entries.

Where you detect a violation of this protocol we urge you to complain, using the process set out in the protocol, and copy to Brian Pollett (Detention Services, BIA) for information only, and a copy to Medical Justice (also please copy to Medical Justice on any subsequent communications regarding the complaint). Medical Justice suggests that a short summary highlighting the key facts in the case in a clear and succinct letter is likely to be more effective than a long, rambling message. Medical Justice suggests that where details of an individual case are to be included, this must be with the consent of the detainee concerned. For further advice, contact Medical Justice.

Brian Pollett (for information): This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Medical Justice (for information and advice): This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Last Updated ( Wednesday, 15 August 2007 )
 
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