Nursing in asylum seeker detention in Australia: care, rights and witnessing

J Med Ethics. 2009 Sep;35(9):546-51. doi: 10.1136/jme.2009.029827.

Abstract

The system of asylum seeker detention in Australia is one in which those seeking refuge are stripped of many of their rights, including the right to health. This presents serious ethical problems for healthcare providers working within this system. In this article we describe asylum seeker detention and analyse the role of nurses. We discuss how far an "ethics of care" and witnessing the suffering of asylum seekers can serve to improve their situation and improve ethical nursing practice.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Australia
  • Health Services Accessibility / ethics*
  • Health Services Accessibility / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Healthcare Disparities / ethics*
  • Healthcare Disparities / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Human Rights / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Humans
  • Mental Disorders / nursing*
  • Mental Disorders / psychology
  • Nurse-Patient Relations / ethics*
  • Prisoners / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Prisoners / psychology
  • Refugees* / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Terrorism