2.2 VISITS TO
PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITALS
advised that when a patient is detained in the unit that the court be informed
thereof at all times, which is why the minor’s written consent is not necessary
until the court’s decision. The privacy of patients undergoing SPM was also highlighted. The clinic stated in its reply that it would ensure privacy with a portable
partition wall. We also advised that a room conducive to the appropriate privacy
between a patient and a representative of persons with mental disorders, and
also other visitors, be provided.
2.2.2
Control visit to Ormož Psychiatric
Hospital
When visiting Ormož Psychiatric Hospital in 2018, the NPM gave 24 recommendations. On 8 August 2019, we established that the hospital accepted and realised five recommendations, which is commendable. However, it must be pointed out that the hospital accepted 19 recommendations, but has failed to fully
realise them yet, which is why we expect that it would particularly focus on these
recommendations and their realisation in the future.
Among other things, the recommendation on obtaining a suitable legal basis
for confiscating a mobile telephone when a patient abuses it (e.g. films other
patients) was realised, including the recommendation on informing the patients about the representatives of the rights of persons with mental disorders, the recommendation that the hospital enable access to the Internet for
patients with no health concerns, which contributes to maintaining and enhancing their social network, and may have a positive impact on the course of
treatment in individual cases.
But several recommendations have not yet been realised, including the airing of
wards, decorating individual wards, installing a collection box for complaints,
proposals and commendations in men’s and gerontopsychiatric wards, and
providing of writing materials (paper and pens) in all other wards.
During the control visit, we also noticed that the description of complaint
channels was missing. We emphasised the importance of frequent checking of
collection boxes for complaints as it may happen that by the time a certain complaint is discussed it is no longer topical. We commended the appointment of a
person who helps an individual write a complaint, but we pointed out that the
contact details of the person whom a patient may contact to help them with the
complaint must be published on notice boards in all secure wards.
During the visit, we again stressed that the recommendation on the installation of emergency buttons was not realised, so we proposed that, despite
reservations, the hospital should consider the installation of emergency buttons
(wireless in case of no other option) and thus ensure a higher level of safety for
patients.
40
THE REPORT OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS OMBUDSMAN OF THE REPUBLIC OF SLOVENIA
ON IMPLEMENTING THE TASKS OF THE NPM
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