48 THE GREEK OMBUDSMAN as the special needs of detainees are not met. In conclusion, the structure is not being used in accordance with its original design, but as a place of long-term detention, with inadequate specifications and modes of operation that do not guarantee the dignity of prisoners. ii. Thessaloniki Pre-Removal Detention Centre This centre is, in fact, the common detention facilities of the Directorate of Aliens, which is being improperly used as a pre-departure centre. It has been pointed out in the past by the NPM22 that the layout of the building does not allow the detainees to use a courtyard. Also, the provision of built-in beds in detention rooms seems not to be supported by the structure of the particular building, so all prisoners are forced to sleep on mattresses on the floor. There is no medical care in the detention facilities and the cases are transferred to public health facilities by appointment or, exceptionally, in case of an emergency. On average, two medical transfers per day were reported, depending on the availability of police personnel. Having a doctor visit for preventive exams some days of the week would to a great extent eliminate the difficulties in serving sick detainees. The detention centre does not have supporting staff such as social workers, psychologists and interpreters. In particular, the lack of interpreters, com22 The Greek Ombudsman, Annual Special Report NPM 2017, page. 56-57 https://www.synigoros.gr/resources/opcat_2017_gr.pdf