§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What measures they will take to ensure that the condition of Immigration Act detainees who may be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder is properly diagnosed and, if appropriate, they may be immediately released. [HL4613]
§ Lord Bassam of BrightonThe level of health care at detention centres is comparable to that in a local general practice and the management of detainees with mental health problems mirrors the approach adopted in the general community.
Usually within 24 hours of arrival in the centre or prison, detainees are offered a full medical screening. Where issues relating to mental health are explored as part of that initial assessment, any concerns about the mental well-being of a detainee are dealt with by the doctor, who will, if necessary, arrange a full psychiatric examination by a qualified psychiatrist. Detainees can also be referred for specialist treatment, including psychological counselling, in the same way as any other National Health Service patient. Where evidence of post-traumatic stress disorder is diagnosed, the Immigration Service is alerted and detention is reviewed in the light of this evidence.