-4I. INTRODUCTION A. Dates of the visit, composition of the delegation and establishment visited 1. In accordance with Article 7 of the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (hereinafter referred to as "the Convention"), a delegation of the CPT carried out a visit to Greece from 4 to 6 November 1996. 2. The CPT's delegation comprised Mrs Ingrid LYCKE ELLINGSEN (Head of the Delegation), Mrs Christina DOCTARE and Mrs Jagoda POLONCOVÁ, all members of the CPT. The delegation was assisted by two interpreters, Mrs Myrto ROUSSOU-ATZITIRIS and Mr Alexander ZAPHIRIOU, and was accompanied by Mrs Geneviève MAYER, Deputy Secretary to the CPT. 3. The delegation visited Attica State Mental Hospital for Children, located at Rafina. B. Context of the visit to Greece 4. This was a visit which appeared to the Committee to be required in the circumstances (cf. Article 7 (1) of the Convention). The hospital had previously been visited in 1993 (cf. doc. CPT/Inf (94) 20) and the conditions prevailing there at the time had prompted a series of recommendations by the Committee. Subsequently, the Committee received communications to the effect that an inquiry had been opened into the conditions of patients' accommodation at the hospital. The Committee had accordingly asked the Greek authorities for detailed information about the situation at the establishment. In the light of the information received, describing certain changes in patient care and accommodation, the CPT decided to make a visit in order to see on the spot the progress made since its earlier visit in 1993. C. Co-operation received by the delegation 5. The delegation had fruitful discussions with Mr SKOULAKIS, Deputy Minister of Health and Social Welfare, and Mr YANNOULATOS, Director of Mental Health. 6. The delegation received an excellent reception at the mental hospital for children. The CPT wishes to thank Mrs PEPONI, Chairperson of the Administrative Board, as well as the members of the medical, paramedical and nursing teams whom it met, for the considerable time they devoted to discussions with the delegation. They all demonstrated great open-mindedness throughout the visit. Ms FAFOUTI of the Ministry of Health, who acted as the delegation's liaison officer during the visit, was also most helpful. 7. The CPT welcomes the spirit of co-operation which prevailed during its second visit to Greece, which was fully in accordance with Article 3 of the Convention.