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3.7.1 Workshops: Summary of the feedback

Participants of the Workshop 1 "Drug-free units" discussed in five

small sub-groups, followed by a plenary session. Vera Grebenc summarised

the results of the group.

1) At the start of the discussion, participants exchanged their

information about the purpose of "Drug-free Units" (DFUs).

2) Setting and management of DFUs are different, depending on their

objectives: DFUs can offer detoxification and treatment for drug addicts;

they can also be an offer to non drug-using prisoners who want to be 'safe'

from drugs - and dealers.

3) Research results on DFUs should be made available to clarify

necessary professional qualifications and training of staff.

4) A controversial discussion took place on whether the government

needs to officially introduce DFUs though a legal change. Some

participants thought that this was a prerequisite for getting adequate

funding, others thought that one should start now (without a law in place)

because of the urgent need for this offer, and should co-operate closely

with the government to achieve its support.

The discussions and questions raised in Workshop 2 "Confidentiality

of prisoner's data" was presented by Mr Vili Scuka.

1) Examples were given from Slovenia and other countries on the

legal situation (availability of medical and social documentation of

prisoners to courts, lawyers, and the prisoners themselves).

2) An ethical code for medical and social staff exists in all

countries, which regulates confidentiality. According to the Slovenian

reports, the bond of silence can be released towards certain

persons/authorities: Medical doctors / therapists would forward full

medical information only between themselves, in order to guarantee adequate

medical treatment. Medical statements about prisoners towards courts would

consist of brief summaries, only on relevant and necessary aspects.

3) There was a controversial discussion about whether the medical

doctor and social assistant are the main responsible persons for the data

that are forwarded, or whether the prisoners should be the ones who have

the final decision. Should prisoners have access / the right to read their

full record - or should therapists/medical doctors interpret their

expert-statements to them, was heavily discussed between participants of

this group.

4) Reference was made to existing international Recommendations on

medical information about prisoners: these should be made available to all

prison doctors.


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