Correctional institutions initiated in some instances. Many female patients remained without treatment for months. When confronted with this, the Federal Ministry stated that no therapies were terminated due to the planned transfer. However, it conceded that therapies that were indicated were temporarily not commenced. The NPM reminded the Federal Ministry that prisoners with mental health care needs urgently need therapeutic treatment. Planned organisational changes may not be used as an excuse. The ward for the detention of mentally ill offenders who are accountable for their actions at Schwarzau correctional institution was closed in February 2017. All female patients were transferred to Asten Centre for Forensic Science. The newly established residential group has a capacity of 14 and ensures adequate accommodation and appropriate therapeutic care. Ward closed at Schwarzau correctional institution XX  Prisoners with mental health care needs must receive therapeutic care. XX  Therapy for prisoners with mental health care needs must commence promptly after admission. A standstill which lasts for months is unacceptable. Forensic ward - Graz Süd-West Regional Hospital In addition to the deficiencies found in correctional institutions, the NPM also found a need for improvement in many hospitals. In October 2016, the NPM visited the forensic ward at Graz Süd-West Regional Hospital. This is a closed ward for persons who committed crimes while mentally ill but were not criminally liable at the time of the crime. The ward has 18 treatment places. In this hospital as well, patients suffer due to crowded rooms. The patients are placed in six- or seven-bed rooms – often for lengthy periods of time. The attempt to place screens next to the beds does not resolve the problem of a lack of privacy. The agitation and snoring of fellow patients during the night are serious disruptive elements and scarcely permit a restful sleep. No privacy due to the crowded situation As a result of the crowded rooms, the NPM found violations of the rule requiring separation of persons being held in provisional detention under Section 429 of the Austrian Code of Civil Procedure (Strafprozessordnung) and sentenced persons being held in detention under Section 21 (1) of the Austrian Criminal Code (Strafgesetzbuch). Violation of the separation rule This criticism was not rebutted. If admitted, detainees are transferred from the closed detention station to the successor open station. Only in exceptional cases, especially if there are security concerns, do persons being held in 109