- 81 256. The CPT recommends the Greek authorities to take the necessary measures, without delay, in order that: - the requisite physical improvements are made in all isolation rooms of the Attica State Mental Hospital for children to ensure that isolation of patients is carried out under acceptable material conditions (eg. provision of mattresses) and in conformity with suitable safety standards; - a detailed medical policy on recourse to isolation and instruments of physical restraint is laid down, dealing in particular with: the types of cases in which application of these measures is permissible; their purposes; their duration and frequent review; the provision of appropriate human contact, and the staff's duty of increased attention; - measures of isolation or physical restraint are applied only on the express instruction of a doctor or immediately brought to the attention of a doctor for approval; - every use of such measures is recorded in the patient's file and in an appropriate register, with an indication of the times at which the measure began and ended, the circumstances of the case and the reasons for resorting to the measure; - staff receive suitable training on control techniques (verbal communication techniques, postural techniques, etc.) vis-à-vis agitated or violent patients. Finally, the CPT wishes to stress that isolation or instruments of physical restraint should never be used as a punishment, or their use prolonged for that purpose. 7. Complaints procedures and outside intervention 257. The procedure relating to patients' complaints is governed by a provision of the Act of 15 July 1992 applying without distinction to all classes of hospital patients in Greece. Section 47 (8) provides that patients have the right to lodge complaints and objections through official channels and to be fully informed of the action taken. However, the delegation found that there was no clearly defined internal arrangement for the reception of complaints. In practice, it would appear that a patient can make his complaint to the nursing staff in charge of the unit or to the hospital director or administrative board. In the opinion of the CPT, specific arrangements enabling patients to lodge complaints with a clearly designated body, and to have confidential access to a competent authority, are essential. It accordingly recommends that the Greek authorities take the requisite measures, which should include the provision of information to patients on the possibility of making a complaint.