44 the prison and probation service three weeks. Following the inspection, the Chief Parliamentary Ombudsman stated that there were no safety reasons that justified the cell’s equipment being so limited. In the view of the Chief Parliamentary Ombudsman, it was unacceptable for an inmate to be held for such a long time in a cell the prison describes as “poor”. The Chief Parliamentary Ombudsman called on the Prison and Probation Service to stop using the sobering up cell for segregation other than for very short periods. As early as 2017, the Chief Parliamentary Ombudsman had noted in a case that the prison had limited practical conditions for holding segregated inmates in adequate spaces. The Prison and Probation Service provided information that its North Region had applied for permission to set up special segregation places in the prison. The Chief Parliamentary Ombudsman stated that the situation had not changed since 2017, and that, at the inspection in 2019, the prison still lacked adequate cells for segregation purposes and an adequate exercise yard for segregated inmates. For this reason, the Chief Parliamentary Ombudsman recommended the Prison and Probation Service take the measures necessary to remedy the situation. Finally, the inspection revealed that the prison’s doctor was at the prison one afternoon a week and that the prison did not have an on-call doctor’s agreement. When inmates need to see a doctor at other times, they are transported to healthcare facilities in Haparanda, Kalix or Luleå. The Chief Parliamentary Ombudsman called on the Prison and Probation Service to take immediate action to ensure the prison is able to meet the Prisons Act’s requirements for medical examinations for inmates held in segregation. The Prison and Probation Service was asked to respond detailing the measures taken.31 In a response to the Parliamentary Ombudsman, the Prison and Probation Service stated that it had initiated a special construction project with the aim of creating more segregation places and a special exercise yard in the prison in Haparanda. The design was made together with the property owners and was expected to be completed shortly. Furthermore, the agency stated that the prison’s doctor is available for telephone consultation every day and, if necessary, can also examine inmates held in segregation at other times. If the prison doctor is prevented from performing an examination, the prison meets the need for a medical examination by transporting the inmate to the nearest healthcare facility as soon as possible. As such, the prison ensures in each individual case that it meets the requirements set out in the Prisons Act with regard to medical examinations for individuals held in segregation. In the light of the details provided in the response, the Chief Parliamentary Ombudsman did not find any reason to take any further action.32 31 See the Parliamentary Ombudsmen’s report p. 10 and 11, ref. no. O 1-2019. 32 See the Parliamentary Ombudsmen’s decision of 23 December 2019, ref. no. O 59-2019.