C HAPTER 12. R ESPONSIBILITIES AND HEALTH - CARE PERSONNEL DUTIES OF OBJECTIVE The objective of this chapter is to underscore that the primary responsibility of doctors, nurses and all other health-care personnel working in prisons and other places of detention is to look after the health care of the prisoners. ESSENTIAL PRINCIPLES It is important that health care for prisoners be provided by at least one qualified medical officer. Medical personnel have a duty to provide prisoners and detainees with health care equal to that which is afforded to those who are not imprisoned or detained. The primary responsibility of all health-care personnel is to look after the health of all prisoners. Health personnel shall not commit or give their permission for any acts which may adversely affect the health of prisoners. These principles should be presented visually and remain on display throughout the session. BASIS IN INTERNATIONAL INSTRUMENTS Exercise: Using the Compilation of Instruments, the trainees should work in pairs in order to discover the basis for each of these principles. Make certain that all the relevant material is discovered. It is an important part of the training that trainees know where to look for rulings. IMPLICATIONS The essential point is the relationship between doctor and patient. The fact that this is taking place within a place of detention must make no difference. The fact that the doctor might sometimes be at odds with the prison director is the second point which might take some time to be grasped. Allow time when presenting this section to ensure that all the trainees have understood, and been able to accept, the significance of what you are saying. PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS These should be presented one at a time, possibly visually, and discussion encouraged about the applicability to the trainees’ own workplace. Comments and questions should be encouraged and dealt with throughout. It is likely that there will be considerable anecdotal material. This is acceptable but must be under the control of the trainer. 72