- 13 III. HEALTH CARE SERVICES IN PRISONS 30. Health care services for persons deprived of their liberty is a subject of direct relevance to the CPT's mandate. An inadequate level of health care can lead rapidly to situations falling within the scope of the term "inhuman and degrading treatment". Further, the health care service in a given establishment can potentially play an important role in combatting the infliction of ill-treatment, both in that establishment and elsewhere (in particular in police establishments). Moreover, it is well placed to make a positive impact on the overall quality of life in the establishment within which it operates. 31. In the following paragraphs, some of the main issues pursued by CPT delegations when examining health care services within prisons are described. However, at the outset the CPT wishes to make clear the importance which it attaches to the general principle - already recognised in most, if not all, of the countries visited by the Committee to date - that prisoners are entitled to the same level of medical care as persons living in the community at large. This principle is inherent in the fundamental rights of the individual. 32. The considerations which have guided the CPT during its visits to prison health care services can be set out under the following headings: a. b. c. d. e. f. g. a. Access to a doctor Equivalence of care Patient's consent and confidentiality Preventive health care Humanitarian assistance Professional independence Professional competence. Access to a doctor 33. When entering prison, all prisoners should without delay be seen by a member of the establishment's health care service. In its reports to date the CPT has recommended that every newly arrived prisoner be properly interviewed and, if necessary, physically examined by a medical doctor as soon as possible after his admission. It should be added that in some countries, medical screening on arrival is carried out by a fully qualified nurse, who reports to a doctor. This latter approach could be considered as a more efficient use of available resources. It is also desirable that a leaflet or booklet be handed to prisoners on their arrival, informing them of the existence and operation of the health care service and reminding them of basic measures of hygiene.