Report of the Human Rights Defender on the activities of the National Preventive Mechanism in Poland in 2014 Three centres were found to hold a resident who should have been placed in other establishment: In one SCC for the mentally ill, there was a resident who was diagnosed with personality and behavioural disorders which originate from organic central nervous system damage, moderate mental retardation, adaptation problems, tendency to set fire to SCC rooms160; in one SCC for the elderly and the chronically somatically ill, there were three persons referred to the establishment with a diagnosis of mental illness161; in one SCC for the elderly, there were numerous persons with mental health problems (such as schizophrenia or bipolar affective disorder), and several – with intellectual disabilities (including one with significant intellectual disabilities)162. 2. Treatment The representatives of the Mechanism assessed that the prevailing atmosphere in the establishments visited was very good. Interviewed residents commented on the way they are addressed by personnel who treated them with respect and demonstrated commitment to ensure their well-being. Nevertheless, the representatives of the NPM received individual reports indicating ill-treatment of residents by SCC employees. 3. Disciplining Following interviews with residents and having analysed documentation kept by SCC personnel as well as SCC operational rules and procedures, the representatives of the Mechanism revealed that some centres take disciplinary measures against their residents. Consequences borne by residents in several centres concerned, among others, leaves from the establishments: a ban on leaving SCC premises163, restrictions in this respect164, no guests allowed in rooms165; a ban on trips and cultural events166. The representatives of the NPM had the biggest reservations about penalties involving transfer to another room167, especially of lower standard168, another SCC in Wrocław (Kaletnicza St). SCC in Słupsk. 162 SCC in Warsaw. 163 SCC in Jarosław. 164 SCCs in: Pęcławice Górne, Maków Podhalański, Wrocław (Kaletnicza St), Wadowice. 165 SCC in Pęcławice Górne. 166 SCCs in: Słupia Pacanowska, Pińczów, Słupsk. 167 SCCs in: Poznań, Ruda Pilczycka, Słupia Pacanowska. 168 SCCs in: Bielsko-Biała, Jarosław, Rzeszów, Siedlce, Wrocław (Kaletnicza St). 160 161 52