Visits in 2015 35 It is clearly unfortunate that inmates lose the right to communal interaction and time out of the cell as a result of a high occupancy level. In the highest-security section, the NPM looked at the prison’s implementation of control measures (use of handcuffs and body searches) and on measures implemented to compensate for the lack of human contact and to reduce any harmful effects of solitary confinement. Access to health services and the staffing situation were also investigated. The regime in the highest-security section puts very strict limits on the inmates’ freedom of movement and possibility of human contact. Together with the fact that, in reality, a very low number of inmates, sometimes only one, will be subject to such strict security conditions at any given time, this means that the regime entails a heightened risk of ill-treatment. From the point of view of prevention, the risk of solitary confinement having harmful effects as a result of limited human contact is very much in focus. The health service endeavoured to offer new inmates a medical consultation within two days of admission, but findings indicated that this was not always possible. The health department kept records of any physical injuries that inmates were found to have sustained, but did not take photographs of the injuries. In general, the prison’s health department seemed to observe professional ethics and meet the requirements for independence. However, it emerged that one inmate had been checked on by a doctor from the accident and emergency unit while strapped to the restraint bed and that the doctor had then recommended continued use of the straps. Health personnel shall neither approve nor recommend the use of coercive measures to the Correctional Services. Telemark Prison, Skien branch The prison admission procedures and how inmates are attended to in this phase were given particular attention. The information indicated that it was not adequately ensured that all inmates were attended to and given sufficient information during their first period as inmates. It was found that there was a high presence of prison officers in the living units and most inmates stated that they felt secure in the communal sections. Small living units and the presence of the officers were highlighted as important factors that made them feel secure. The NPM also focused on whether the inmates were offered a sufficient level of activity. It was seen as positive that almost all the inmates in communal sections B and C were offered education or employment opportunities. Findings indicated, however, that inmates in department A were not offered satisfactory employment or activity programmes. A clear majority of the inmates in that section participated in a few or no activities in the course of a week. This gives cause for concern considering that solitary confinement can have serious effects on the mental health of inmates.