3.4.4 Right of access and confidentiality of personal documents
The CGLPL had recommended developing the possibility of purchasing a magnetic debit card for
obtaining a predetermined number of photocopies at a freely accessible photocopier in the library.
The Minister of Justice says that the interregional departments and institutions approached do
not speak of any particular difficulties concerning prisoners' possibility of doing photocopies. She
describes various procedures underway in institutions: photocopying is possible but fairly complicated
(preliminary requests, supervision by prison staff, etc.) and not in an independent manner. She
acknowledges that the option recommended by the CGLPL is feasible but points to the "quite
significant" costs that would "probably" be incurred by its deployment. The CGLPL therefore
upholds its recommendation.
Look into the possibility of a prepaid account enabling prisoners to photocopy documents
independently.
3.4.5 Requests for assistance
The CGLPL had recommended setting up interphone devices or call buttons which could also be
used at night to indicate a need for assistance.
The Minister of Justice indicates that the planning framework provides for a cell interphone
system connected to the protected station concerned and for night calls, to the main security station.
A light is also installed above the cell in question, on the corridor side. Investments are also being
made to equip some of the older institutions when this is feasible in technical and budget terms.
The CGLPL duly notes these explanations, but finds that a number of existing call devices do
not work. It therefore asks that careful attention be paid to their maintenance.
Continue with the systematic installation of interphone devices or call buttons which can also be
used at night and guarantee the maintenance of existing systems.
3.5
Access to medical treatment and social benefits
3.5.1 Access to medical treatment
The CGLPL had recommended allowing access to the health block according to the two following
conditions: open access one half of the day then appointments the other half; and automatically
granting emergency requests made orally for a consultation in the health block.
The Minister of Justice points out that the organisation of medical treatment within the health
block comes under the purview of the relevant hospital. The Minister of Health fears that, for large
health blocks, opening up the possibility of open consultations may adversely affect appointment
waiting times. Regarding the fluidity of consultation circuits, she suggests raising teams' awareness
instead. She explains that the subject of healthcare access and out-of-hours services in health blocks is
due to be discussed in-depth with the representatives of health workers in prisons during the working
groups of the new offenders' health strategy. Recommendations may be outlined when updating the
methodological guide to healthcare provision for prisoners.
The CGLPL duly notes these intentions and will keep a close eye on the application of the
offenders' health strategy.
The CGLPL had also recommended putting prisoners directly in touch with the emergency
services operator (15) when the institution's medical staff were absent and they have asked for an
emergency consultation.
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