Implementation of the Duties and Powers of the National Preventive Mechanism in 2012 It was proposed to Izlake EH that a small box for the submission of complaints (but also comments and recommendations) be placed in the high level supervision ward. A box for complaints has already been placed in the entrance hall, but at the time of the visit, there was no special letter box for submitting anonymous complaints in the high level supervision ward itself. It was pointed out by the NPM several times that it is wrong on the part of a nursing home not to allow an individual resident to submit an anonymous complaint. It is probable that residents suffering from dementia accommodated in the high level supervision wards are generally not able to write a complaint but it is appropriate that such an option is made possible for them. In its response report, the nursing home in question agreed with the proposal and stated that another box would be placed on the third floor where the group under high supervision permanently functions, so that such box will be more easily accessible to residents suffering from dementia and to residents of the nursing ward. Religious care It was proposed by the NPM to Izlake EH that residents should be properly informed of the option to be assisted as regards the provision of religious care (particularly (also) residents practising a religion other than Roman Catholicism). As a matter of fact, the persons interviewed explained that it was not known to them whether there was a resident of another religion residing in a nursing home at the time of the visit by the NPM. Neither could anyone recall such a case in the past. Following the judgement by the NPM, however, it would be correct to offer assistance to residents in need of religious care, or to state who to turn to when seeking contact with a priest of their religion. Perhaps, it might make sense to have this written in a document handed to residents upon their admission, or to publish it on notice boards in the institution. It was stated by the nursing home in its response report that details on options for making contact with priests of various religions operating in the territory where the institution is situated would be published on a notice board and they would include them in the leaflet on the Rights of Residents. Staying outdoors in the fresh air It was proposed to Izlake EH, Preddvor RH and Rakičan EH that it place as much stress as possible on the benefits of staying outdoors and to exercise in the fresh air for residents of the high level supervision ward and persons suffering from dementia. Izlake EH stated in its response report that outdoor exercise receives a lot of attention, that activities relating to exercise and staying outdoors were carefully planned and recorded, and would continue to be provided for its residents in the future. In its response report, it was stated by Preddvor RH that a great emphasis is constantly given to staying outdoors and to the exercise of residents in the fresh air, for which they have to thank the countryside surrounding the institution, and of which they are particularly proud. In its response report, it was stated by Rakičan EH that there is a larger balcony in the ward in question which, unfortunately, was closed at the time of the visit by the NPM owing to construction works in progress. The new ward for persons suffering from dementia will provide residents with a larger outdoor area, a circular walk both outside as well as inside the building, and in addition to rooms for socializing, a winter garden. Smoking There is no smoking room at the high level supervision ward in Lucija Centre. When inspecting the ward, one of the residents lit a cigarette in a room even though smoking is prohibited in rooms and then walked down the corridor to the exit with a lit cigarette. The smell of cigarettes remained present in the ward. It was proposed that Lucija Centre persist in warning its residents that smoking is not allowed in the ward. 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 97