- 56 Medical staff at Korydallos Womens Prison did not have the option of transferring prisoners
to the Prison Hospital (which was, in principle, reserved to male prisoners). In addition to those
requiring hospitalisation, prisoners for whom para-clinical examinations were necessary (eg. Xrays) also had to be transferred to a civil hospital. Once again, the delegation was told that such
transfers could be the subject of lengthy delays.
The CPT would like to receive information on the facilities in civil hospitals in Athens
for receiving prisoners in need of specialist examinations or hospitalisation6 and the
comments of the Greek authorities on the above-mentioned statements by medical staff that
the transfer of a prisoner in need of a specialist examination or hospitalisation was not always
carried out with due promptness.
166. The CPT would add that its delegation visited the custodial unit for prisoners at Nikea
Hospital and found that conditions there left much to be desired; in particular, there was
restricted living space (3 beds in a room measuring 9 m²) and the unit's state of cleanliness
was poor.
v.
recording of injuries
167. Prison health care services can contribute to the prevention of violence against detained
persons, through the systematic recording of injuries and, if appropriate, the provision of general
information to the relevant authorities. Information could also be forwarded on specific cases,
though as a rule such action should only be undertaken with the consent of the prisoners concerned.
168. From the delegation's discussions with medical staff and the findings in individual cases, it
would appear that the recording of injuries is at present not guaranteed.
Particular reference should be made to one prisoner seen by medical members of the
delegation at the Korydallos Mens Prison. He had been arrested some two weeks earlier by the
police, and alleged that at the time of his arrest he had been struck with fists in the face and stomach
and on the head, and had had his feet stamped on. On examination he was found to display injuries
consistent with his allegations; on both sides of his face, a palpebral, peri-orbital, greenish-yellow
haematoma; on the upper faces of both feet, on the central parts, large irregular greenish-brown
discolourations extending to the ankles on the external sides. The prisoner had been to the prison
infirmary on two occasions since his arrival; however, on consulting the prisoner's medical file, it
was found that no record had been made of the above-mentioned injuries. A nurse stated that
injuries of this sort were normally not recorded, unless the prisoner concerned so requested.
169. The CPT recommends that any signs of violence observed when a prisoner is medically
screened on his admission (cf. paragraph 161) should be fully recorded, together with any
relevant statements by the prisoner; further, this information should be made available to the
prisoner. The same approach should be followed whenever a prisoner is medically examined
following a violent episode in the prison.
6
The delegation was told that custodial units existed at the Nikea, Metaxa and Sotiria Hospitals (with a total
capacity of some 8 beds).
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