This healthcare requirement is within the secure estate of a Border Force (BF) custody suite/unit. As such the medical healthcare is ancillary to the role BF have of investigating crime. In this respect BF are strictly governed by legislation in particular the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 and its Codes of Practice.

PACE Code C provides a legislative framework for BF custody staff which identifies those for whom medical attention is appropriate. This includes detained persons who:

— Appear to be suffering from a physical illness.

— Appear to have a notifiable or contagious disease.

— Are a ‘Suspected Internal Drug Trafficker’ or ‘stuffer/ swallower’ (SIDT).

— Are injured.

— Appear to be suffering from mental ill health (or disablement, or difficulty that means that the detainee is likely to be mentally vulnerable or require additional support i.e. Appropriate Adult).

— Appear to have a drug or alcohol dependence or withdrawal which is likely to affect their safety.

— Appear to need a medical examination.

— Request a medical examination.