Immigration removal centres are operated in accordance with the Detention Centre Rules 2001.
In accordance with the rules, each centre has a health care department to deliver primary services, which include medical practitioners and nursing staff, including registered mental health nurses.
Each detainee is seen by a nurse within two hours of arrival at a centre. They are then given an appointment to see a GP within 24 hours, unless the nurse considers an earlier examination is required.
Where issues of mental illness are identified which require secondary treatment, a referral is made to the relevant primary care trust for assessment and treatment as necessary.