Other complaints concerned the availability of medical treatment in specific cases, and the need for warmer clothing in the winter season. Board members discussed the medical complaints with the nursing staff at the Centre, and the Board is satisfied that the treatment available at the Centre and at the Medical Clinics is of the standard required. Whenever complaints were made regarding the quality of medical treatment, such as the late delivery of medication, these were invariably discussed with the nursing staff at the Centre and, where needed, with the Head of the Detention Services. In most cases, Board members on a follow-up visit were informed by the detained persons that the issues had been resolved. The complaints regarding clothing were discussed with the Head of the Detention Services and the person in charge of the stores. Some Board members visited the stores and saw that there are adequate supplies of warm clothes and blankets at the Centre which are distributed to the persons in detention as needed. It was pointed out to Board members that, understandably, some detainees opt to use extra blankets to screen off their sleeping area from that of other detainees in order to have some privacy, even at the risk of feeling cold during the night. The members of the Board, particularly one member who has served on the Board for more than seven years, note that a great deal of work has been carried out in converting warehouses into living quarters. However, housing many persons in a large open warehouse can never provide adequate privacy and can lead to mental health issues. The Board firmly believes that such large open spaces are ill suited to accommodate persons for several weeks if not months, regardless of the good and well-intentioned efforts of Detention Services staff. As highlighted in previous Annual Repmts, it is the view of the Board that such warehouses are not fit for human accommodation. 11. Administration of Detention Centres As noted in previous Annual Reports, the members of the Board can confirm that there is a positive attitude and a marked improvement in the management and working environment at the Hal Safi Detention Centre. The members of Detention Services staff do their utmost in difficult conditions. They supervise food distribution and accompany detainees wherever they need to go. As highlighted by the Board in previous reports, however, there appears to be a lack of regular contact and communication between detained persons and the staff in charge of the Centres. Consequently, the personnel are usually not aware of the problems that arise. The Board is again raising this issue not as a criticism of the detention service; the staff currently working at the Centre has a clear obligation, namely to ensure that the persons in detention do not leave the area, and the Board is of the view that the employees are performing this task to the best of their ability. The Board recommends, however, that 8