I can confirm an individual, who had been in a Perth hospital for medical treatment, has been transferred back to Christmas Island following the conclusion of their treatment.
The decision to discharge a patient from a hospital is made by the treating doctor. When a detainee is transferred, a fit to travel assessment is undertaken by a clinician and is informed by all available medical information. Detainees are only transferred when it is confirmed they are medically fit to undertake the travel.
When transferring detainees, escorts are used to ensure the health, safety and security of the detainee. Whilst we do not ordinarily provide operational detail, I can advise that in this case there were four escorts (two male and two female) and a nurse who accompanied the detainee during the transfer and subsequent flight.
During transfer operations, where there is an indication that other persons may attempt to interfere with a detainee or make a transfer unsafe, I have an obligation to ensure the safety of the detainee and escorting staff. This may see a phone being temporarily relinquished. In addition, guidelines associated with the use of phones on an aircraft must be complied with.
During this transfer, the detainee made a request for one person to be contacted on their behalf. This contact was made as requested.
For privacy reasons the Department does not disclose an individual’s medical treatment.
