There were no detainees present at the time of our inspection. We looked at health records of adults and children who had recently stayed at The Cedars. We spoke to the registered manager and to two of the nursing staff. Oversight of children’s welfare was carried out by a Barnardos staff team at the Immigration and Removal Centre. We spoke to a member of the Barnardos’ team to ask them how health care staff dealt with child welfare.

We saw there were records to show each person was subject to a comprehensive health check upon admission to The Cedars. This included checks on mental health needs and specific checks regarding children’s health needs. People were able to access health care services when they needed. There was information available in the Immigration and Removal Centre accommodation units and communal facilities so that people knew how to access health care.

We saw there were consulting rooms for seeing people and equipment for carrying out health checks as well as dealing with medical emergencies. The facilities were clean. There was space and play equipment for children to occupy themselves.

The health centre had a manager and a team of Registered General Nurses (RGN). A Registered Mental Nurse (RMN) was also available to see people who needed assessment and treatment of mental health needs. A psychiatrist also held weekly clinics at the health centre for those with mental health needs.