- 15 28. The situation at Evangelismos Psychiatric Unit also gave rise to particular concern as a number of bedridden and/or restrained patients were accommodated for extended periods in the corridor. Some of them wore diapers which were changed by staff in full view of others, which, in the CPT’s view, could be considered as degrading. At the end of the visit, the delegation called upon the Greek authorities to put an immediate stop to this practice, pointing out that patients in need of restraint or requiring assistance as regards their hygiene needs should be cared for in hospital rooms, under close monitoring by staff, and under conditions which respect their privacy and dignity. By letter of 7 June 2018, the Greek authorities informed the CPT that, in addition to issuing specific instructions addressed to all psychiatric establishments inter alia not to use mechanical restraint in view of other patients (see paragraph 39), the Ministry of Health has called upon Evangelismos General Hospital to accommodate mental health patients with impaired functionality in hospital rooms, and immediately stop the practice of placing them in the corridor. The CPT welcomes this development and requests an update on the implementation, in practice, of these instructions. 29. The CPT notes positively that, for the most part, patients spoke well of the food they were provided. 30. The open regime were one of the most positive aspects of the situation observed in the establishments visited. As mentioned at paragraph 27, many patients (those who were not bedridden or immobilised) could move around freely for part, if not most, of the day. At the Psychiatric Unit at Sotiria Hospital a number of occupational activities were on offer, including painting, puzzles and movie-watching. The CPT’s delegation noted positively that two occupational therapists attended the Unit on weekdays and fully engaged with patients. At Athina Clinic and the Unit at Gennimatas Hospital activities on offer were rather limited and could certainly be developed further, in the CPT’s view. The few resources available for activities at Dromokaiteio Hospital, following staff cuts in recent years, had been directed primarily towards patients in its hostels, leaving the majority of other patients – including long-term and forensic patients – idle. Any activities for patients in the regular wards took place in a dedicated building, making it difficult for less mobile patients to engage in them. Finally, patients within the more restricted confines of the Unit at Evangelismos Hospital had little to occupy themselves with other than a TV room, a smoking area, and a small collection of books. The CPT recommends that all psychiatric patients, including long-term and forensic patients, be offered a range of recreational activities suited to their needs. In the interest of including immobile or less mobile patients, at least some of these activities should be offered within wards accommodating them.