especially in conversations with physicians.
During the six-month trial, interpreters for the most commonly spoken
languages (Russian, Arabic, Turkish, Bosnian, Serbian, Croatian,
English and sign language) were available to the medical personnel of
the Vienna-Josefstadt correctional institution from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00
p.m. on working days within 120 seconds (without prior notice) – if the
detainee consented.
Online contact within
two minutes
The final evaluation of the pilot phase showed 92% satisfaction with
the video interpreting services on the part of the employees of the
Vienna-Josefstadt correctional institution. The feedback from the
detainees was also positive and showed that video interpreters can
bring clarity to medical treatment.
Positive feedback
Expansion to the areas of admission, the administrative penalty unit
and other specialised areas in the Vienna-Josefstadt correctional
institution was promised in response to a request from the NPM. The
use of video interpreters would also provide relief in admissions and in
the specialised services (psychological and social services).
Expansion of the area of
application
In November 2015, initial discussions were held between the NPM and
the Federal Ministry of Justice. In response to the recommendation of
the NPM that video interpreting should be introduced in all correctional
institutions operated by Austrian police departments and facilities for
the detention of mentally ill offenders, the Ministry stated that video
interpreting would be introduced into some correctional institutions. A
nationwide invitation to tender is planned for 2016. After completion of
the tender process, a company will be hired to offer translation
services to all correctional institutions in the future.
Introduction advocated
nationwide
The NPM hopes that video interpreting will be introduced into all facilities operated by
Austrian police departments and facilities for the detention of mentally ill offenders in the
course of 2016.
Clarification of allegations of mistreatment
The question of a standardised procedure when there is an allegation
of mistreatment is closely linked to the monitoring focal point
regarding the provision of health care. The NPM initially advocated
that, in case of examinations (based on allegations of mistreatment)
that are conducted in outside hospitals, not only the diagnosis sheet
but also the medical history sheet should be requested from the
management of the institution.
The Federal Ministry of Justice adopted this recommendation of the
NPM. However, thereafter the NPM had concerns regarding the
physician’s duty of confidentiality under Section 54 (4) of the Act on the
Medical Profession (Ärztegesetz).
Is confidentiality
ensured?
The NPM initially assumed that the transfer of the data from the
medical history sheet to the Electronic Patient Record Module is in the
interest of the detained person. Thus, a physician outside of the prison
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