npm annual report 2016 / observations and recommendations • During a visit to an outpatient clinic, concerns were expressed about the inconsistent practices of supervisory staff in recording the over-the-counter medicines and PRN (as-needed) medicines they give to prisoners. (Kylmäkoski) The Deputy-Ombudsman considered such records to be important for patient safety. He pointed out that it is the director’s duty to supervise that warders record the medicines they have distributed regularly and in a consistent manner. Comment: During the concluding discussion of the visit, the prison director said that they would take action to harmonise recording practices. Legal protection of prisoners • During visits, it is repeatedly necessary to draw the prisons’ attention to the availability of or need to update information on the provisions that apply to prisoners or the contact details of the authorities that supervise the prison. Prisoners may also lack awareness of the availability of information on the relevant provisions. (Turku, Riihimäki, Suomenlinna, Ylitornio, Oulu, Pelso and Mikkeli) Comment: As a rule, prisons have reported that they will rectify the deficiencies and provide their staff with guidance on the issue. Comment: Turku Prison has promised to provide a guidebook for newly-arrived prisoners in connection with their arrival check and to clarify the information on where guidebooks and relevant legal regulations are available. It also promised to ensure that the control room and library of each unit will have copies of the Imprisonment Act and the Remand Imprisonment Act. • None of the inmates interviewed by the NPM had been provided with orientation training or guidance on the activities, schedules and other practices of the institution upon arrival. The staff had not informed any of them of their rights and duties. Interviews with foreign prisoners revealed that they had not been given oral information about the above-mentioned aspects of prison life or their own rights and duties (Mikkeli). Comment: The prison reported that each prisoner will be provided with a guidebook for new prisoners when they arrive at the institution. The guide will be translated into as many languages as possible. 33