The methodology and criteria of the inspection visits on the basis of which the places of detention are assessed were described in more detail in the Chancellor’s 2010 Overview.7 As a result of each inspection visit, a summary is compiled, containing recommendations and proposals to the inspected establishment and other relevant authorities. Summaries of inspection visits are published on the Chancellor of Justice website. Data protection requirements are observed when publishing the summaries (i.e. no personal data is disclosed, etc). A short abstract of a summary of an inspection visit is translated into English and since 2015 also into Russian. In addition to inspection visits, other activities for preventing ill-treatment have been carried out with the aim to raise awareness among staff working at and individuals held in the places of detention, as well as among the wider public, of the essence of ill-treatment and the need to fight it. For example, in his circular of 11 March 2015 the Chancellor drew attention of providers of nursing care services, 24-hour special care services and involuntary emergency psychiatric care to the main shortcomings found in the institutions inspected in 2014. In particular, the Chancellor drew the attention of the providers of psychiatric care to the requirements for observation and seclusion rooms, documenting of the use of means of restraint, privacy, human dignity, and handling of medications. In the circular sent to the providers of 24hour special care services, the Chancellor pointed out problems with regard to the handling and administration of medications, the number of activity supervisors, treatment in line with human dignity, locking of the room of clients, safety of the seclusion room and proper seclusion, and smoking. Among the problems found upon the inspection of the providers of nursing care services in 2014, the Chancellor in his circular pointed out shortcomings with regard to the provision of the service without a valid consent, unfounded restriction of the fundamental right to liberty, handling and administration of medications, insufficient staff numbers, use of the nurse call system, and ensuring of human dignity and privacy. During the reporting year, the Chancellor developed cooperation with the State Agency of Medicines which carries out supervision of medicinal products. On 10 April, a cooperation meeting between the Chancellor’s advisers and the Agency took place in Tartu to discuss the inspection of health care and social welfare institutions. In cooperation with the Agency, eight inspection visits to social welfare and health care institutions were carried out during the reporting year8 and in the course of the visits the Agency carried out independent inspection and supervision. On 2 June, the Chancellor’s advisers also met with the representatives of Hoolekandeteenused Ltd providing 24-hour special care services, in order to offer feedback on the work of the institution and receive an overview of the development of the services. On 29 October, the Deputy Chancellor of Justice N. Parrest and the Chancellor’s advisers A. Aru, K. Muller and M. Allikmets met in the Ministry of Social Affairs with the Deputy Secretary Generals on Health and Social Policy and the relevant officials to provide an overview of the problems found during the inspection visits and obtain information about the government’s policy concerning deprivation of liberty of individuals. During the reporting year, the Chancellor’s advisers also See the Chancellor’s 2010 overview, pp 8–9. Erastvere Home of Hoolekandeteenused Ltd, nursing care department of Narva Hospital, psychiatric department of Narva Hospital, Narva City Social Welfare Centre, Jõgeva Town Social House, Jõhvi Hospital, Sillamäe Hospital, Narva-Jõesuu Care Home. 7 8 8