- 82 258. More generally, the CPT recommends that an introductory brochure setting forth the
hospital routine and patients' rights be devised and issued to each patient on admission. Any
patients unable to understand this brochure should have the assistance of a counsellor.
259. Another valuable means of preventing ill-treatment is regular visitation by an independent
outside body, responsible for inspection of patients' treatment and authorised, in particular, to talk
privately with patients and to make any necessary recommendations. It would be advisable for such
a body to prepare and publish an annual report on its activities, in order to ensure greater openness
and stimulate public debate on psychiatric institutions.
The aforementioned Act of 1992 makes no provision for such arrangements and solely
refers, in section 52, to surveillance of hospitals by the Health Ministry departments for the
apparent purpose of monitoring material conditions, the equipment of hospital services, the work of
doctors and health care staff and the functioning of hospital services. The CPT would like to
receive information on the operation in practice of the mechanism created by section 52 of the
1992 Act. Further, it recommends that the Greek authorities consider the possibility of
introducing a system of regular visits to psychiatric institutions by an independent outside
body, in the light of the foregoing considerations.
260. Lastly, it should be emphasised that the staff of the institutions visited have duties which are
very difficult to discharge. It is imperative for the staff to have all the necessary assistance in its
work. Outside stimulation and support would be highly desirable to prevent the staff of these
institutions from operating in a vacuum. Discussions with the medical and nursing staff particularly at the Leros Public Health Establishments - revealed a need for stimulation of this kind
and a high demand for information/exchanges, which seemed to be hampered by administrative and
financial obstacles.
The CPT recommends that the Greek authorities take appropriate measures to ensure
greater involvement by independent persons and bodies in the affairs of psychiatric
institutions in Greece.
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