Section three The NPM in 2016–17 which happen to be open. Independent custody visitors confirm to him that each detainee has knowledge of their rights and entitlements, and provide reports on detainees’ health and welfare, conditions and facilities, and any special needs or other relevant issues. Building on the recent introduction of standard reporting levels, Lay Observers (LO) have introduced electronic visit reports providing both specific ratings and narrative to support those ratings. LO has compiled national statistics from reports to identify trends and key issues to present to HM Courts & Tribunal Service and to escort contractors. In addition, LO launched a survey in early 2017 to provide a baseline of all key facilities across the court estate. There was a focus on health care throughout the year, with the LO National Council monitoring and reporting monthly on the health care risk assessments prepared by prisons and police custody suites for escort and court custody, the availability of prescribed medication to those detained, the quality of mental and physical health care support available in court custody, and the impact of any inadequacies on the ability of the person detained to participate in the court procedure. Significant concerns were raised about the lack of access to a confidential complaints process and unacceptably long waiting times for children and young people prior to and after their hearing. Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland (MWCS) carried out two large-scale themed visiting projects during the year. One project examined the care and treatment in all adult acute admission wards, including a specific focus on whether key rights were being respected and legislative safeguards were being complied with. The second project looked at care and treatment provided in all medium and low secure facilities in Scotland, because of the higher levels of restriction people detained in secure settings will experience. A report on the first project was published during the year and a report on the second project will be published in 2017. In addition, MCWS published good practice guidance on supported decision-making, reflecting the expectations in the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. MWCS organised several consultation events looking at the need to reform incapacity legislation in Scotland to ensure its compliance with international human rights standards. MWCS also continued to expand its work with partners, as part of a group sharing intelligence between national agencies in Scotland about the quality of health and social care. This new group meets regularly and promotes coordinated activity when potential or actual risks to the quality of care and treatment are identified, including any issues that relate to the work of the NPM. The Northern Ireland Policing Board, which monitors the compliance of the Police Service Northern Ireland with the Human Rights Act 1998, continued to put in place existing steps to ensure the effective and efficient operation of the Independent Custody Visiting Scheme (NIPBICVS). Custody Visitors carried out 633 visits during the year, 27% more than the number carried out in the previous year. They met with 517 detainees, carrying out checks on their rights, health and well-being, and conditions of detention. 63