- 29 64. The individual/double cells in the basement level Reception/Protection Unit, used for accommodating new arrivals, were somewhat better, in particular as regards bedding. However, as was the case in 200539, the three protection cells (also known as “blue” cells) for the seclusion of patients at risk of harming themselves or others were once again found to be unfit for use by anyone, least of all by persons with mental disorders. Refurbishment of one cell had been completed and was still under way for the other two. Nevertheless, the cells remained windowless, either poorly padded or not at all, each measuring around 5m2, and containing a barely raised plinth and no alarm bell. The cells had artificial lighting and reverse-cycle air conditioning which was controlled by staff, as was access to a basic toilet and sink, in the cell’s antechamber (just outside the inner cell door). Patients were placed in the cell naked, with no rip-proof clothing provided, which in itself may be considered degrading. From interviews with staff and patients, as well as patients’ files, it clearly emerged that custodial staff presence in the basement area was infrequent at best, with patients often placed in the protection cells for periods of several days, and left unattended for many hours at a time, with the result that they were obliged to defecate and urinate in the cell. Indeed, the CPT's delegation observed obvious fresh traces of human waste in two cells, one of which was in use during the visit. Patients also provided consistent accounts of a pattern of alternating very cold and very hot air being blasted into the cell. Furthermore, in spite of the fact that the use of the cells was subject to a psychiatrist’s approval (often obtained by telephone), the cells were, in some cases, evidently used as an informal disciplinary punishment following self-harm incidents. 65. It is totally unacceptable, and could easily be considered as inhuman and degrading, in the CPT's view, to place patients, without supervision, and for extended periods, in these cells – all the more so if they are naked. From the medical stand-point, patients who self-harm should not be placed in a solitary confinement regime: on the contrary, they should receive increased care and support. There can be no justification, in the CPT’s view, for the resort to placement in a protective cell of a patient needing urgent medical intervention (for example, on account of swallowing a foreign object). In accordance with the standards applicable for a proper psychiatric hospital, if there is a need to seclude patients for protective purposes, this should be done for the shortest possible time necessary to resolve the acute situation, to prevent self-harm or harm to others. During that time the person should be permanently monitored by staff, and access to a functioning call system must be guaranteed as an additional safeguard; if the removal of the patient’s clothing is considered necessary in the interest of safety, rip-proof clothing should be provided. Furthermore, a dedicated register on the use of protective cells should be in place, from which one can ascertain the circumstances, date/time of placement and release, person ordering/authorising placement and release, and the permanence of supervision and assistance provided by staff. 66. By letter of 7 June 2018, in response to the delegation’s request urging the authorities to put an end to the practice regarding the use of the “blue” or protective cells at Korydallos Prison Psychiatric Hospital, the Ministry of Justice provided the CPT with an account of the steps taken so far and those planned still. In particular, after a series of ministerial inspections and consultations, the Ministry has issued an order on 29 May 2018 ceasing promptly and irrevocably the operation of the so-called “blue” cells. 39 See the CPT’s 2005 visit report (CPT/Inf (2006) 41), paragraph 118.