MONITORING PLACES OF DETENTION : A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR NGOS 145 Comments The medical staff must enjoy maximum independence vis-à-vis the detaining authorities as regards the medical decisions they make. The competence of the medical staff, their independence and professional ethics, and the quality of the care provided can only be evaluated by health specialists. Reference points ■ Number of doctors, nurses, a psychologist, a psychiatrist, other staff? ■ How available are they and what are their working hours? 5