Implementation of the Duties and Powers of the National Preventive Mechanism in 2012 Since an employee of Lucija Centre, testing the functioning of the call bell system, has quite a few problems in using the call bell, a question was raised whether residents were actually able to use the call bell system. It was therefore proposed to Lucija Centre that it consistently check the functionality of the call systems, and to check all bells in the building, to repair those out of order, to explain to its residents upon their admission how the call bell system functions, and then to regularly check whether residents (still) know how to use the call bell. It was explained by Lucija Centre that, upon admission, every Centre’s residents is informed about the functioning of all devices to be used during their residence in the institution. Since a person suffering from dementia has difficulties in following instructions and cannot remember an explanation on how to call the staff when in need of assistance, both options for making a call – a pull-cord and, additionally, a big red button are located in a bedroom and in a bathroom. Following the recommendation by the NPM, the Centre will check which of their residents were still capable of using the devices. The staff in the Centre go on more frequent rounds in case residents are not able to use the call bell. The functioning of the call bell system was also tested during the visit in Preddvor RH. The system was functioning, and the response by the staff was fast. There are instructions on how to call a nurse in place in the nursing home. These particularly emphasize that employees in the nursing home must respond immediately or as fast as possible to every call bell ringing and to verify conditions, which was welcomed by the NPM. At the time of the visit of the NPM, the response time of the medical staff to the call bell on the first floor of the residential unit of Rakičan EH was also monitored. No nurse came into the room after measuring the time for five minutes. It was therefore proposed by the NPM to warn the staff of the need to response immediately to the ringing of call bells, and to establish a system of checking the response time of employees, whilst, at the same time, also to check regularly whether call bells or the call system function and to promptly fix all potential deficiencies In its response report, it was stated by the nursing home that disturbances in the functioning of the call system had already been found by themselves. These occurred as a result of the energy-saving restoration of the building since, due to the new isolation system and new layers of facade, signals were weakened and disturbed. An agreement was reached with the call system operator to strengthen the signal levels and new antennas had already been installed. After such installations, the call system was checked and it was established that deficiencies had been remedied and several further checks would be made in the course of the year. Complaint procedures During the visit to Lucija Centre, it was established that there is not a person appointed in the Centre to receive complaints in accordance with the Patient Rights Act (ZPacP). That is why it was proposed (in accordance with Article 57 of the ZPacP) that a person be appointed from among the medical staff to receive and handle complaints in relation to the first dealing with a violation of patient rights. In its response report, it was explained by the Centre that a person to receive and handle requests in relation to the first dealing of a violation of patient rights in the Centre had been appointed. The said person’s name and surname was submitted. This piece of information was published on all information boards in the Centre. National Preventive Mechanism in the Republic of Slovenia under the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment 95