The role of the prison doctor
The role of the prison doctor
The doctor should ensure that an interpreter is readily available at all times so that a patient may be encouraged to impart information, and correct diagnoses may be made.
The doctor is responsible for arranging that all health care information is translated into all the common languages encountered in the prison.
The doctor should acquaint himself with the ways in which some foreign nationals may interpret their symptoms e.g., depressive symptoms may be interpreted as sorcery or spiritual manifestations.
The doctor may need to play a key role in acting as an advocate for the prisoner, especially if interpreters are not generally available in the main prison.