National Preventive Mechanism In addition, there was no documentation of a debriefing session with the patient. The delegation then visited the isolation room with the restraint bed. According to some commission members, this room had a “frightening character” and triggered associations with photos of “death row cells” in America. Isolation room is reminiscent of „death row cells“ The commission proposed to the medical director of the facility and his deputy that the walls of the room be painted in a calming colour. In addition, it suggested placing a cover with a pleasing colour over the bed, which hides the straps and can be easily removed, if necessary. The proposal was accepted and the walls of the room were painted green – to remind the patient of nature, have a calming effect and give a sense of safety. The bedspread that covers the straps is also green. The commission was promised that the check list for authorising restraints and isolation will be revised in the near future and those points that the CPT considered mandatory will be added. Under the CPT standards (Item 43 et seq.), this includes the continuous presence of a trained employee during the period of restraint to provide therapeutic assistance. The technical video monitoring, which is provided, should also be mentioned on the check list. This should contain standards on how to watch the video monitor. Rules should be added with respect to the duration of the restraint and when the restraint order must be renewed by the physician. The check list should be supplemented to include provisions on employee training, the policy for filing complaints and the debriefing session. Moreover, the patient should be provided an opportunity to add his or her own comments. Finally, it should be guaranteed that a copy of this form sheet is provided to the patient. Process organisation must be changed The NPM points out that, under the case law of the European Court of Human Rights, any strapping of an inmate to a hospital bed may only last as long as absolutely necessary under the circumstances (ECHR 27 October 2003, Hénaf/France, Appl 65.436/01 No. 52). Strict case law The NPM recommended that a form be prepared with respect to “restrictions on the freedom of movement”. The form should instruct the ordering physician to describe the milder measures available in the individual case in detail and to list which milder measures had been tried without success in order to avoid this additional restriction of freedom. Here too, reference is made to the CPT standards, under which patients may only be restrained as a “last resort”. Restraint as last resort The form should also require documentation of any injuries to patients or staff so that they will be verifiable. Alternatives must be documented 159