NORWEGIAN PARLIAMENTARY OMBUDSMAN National Preventive Mechanism against Torture and Ill-Treatment ANNUAL REPORT 2015 52 Physical conditions Drammen Police Custody Facility After a visit in October 2014, the Ombudsman recommended that the police remove all the metal bars fixed along the wall of the custody facility’s registration room. ›› ››Søndre Buskerud Police District has informed the Ombudsman that all the metal bars will be removed. Telemark Hospital After a visit in April 2015, the Ombudsman pointed out that the geriatric psychiatry unit was in such a state that it, among other things, posed challenges related to the patients' right to privacy and self-care. It was also recommended that the physical conditions at the secure treatment unit should be improved. The unit appeared to be in poor condition. The patients also had no access to an adapted outdoor area or veranda, and some patients were therefore not offered an opportunity to take part in outdoor activities on a daily basis. ›› ››The hospital has informed the Ombudsman of its plans to start the upgrade and renovation of the geriatric psychiatry unit in 2016. The hospital is also in the process of assessing and planning a more suitable building for the secure treatment unit, and particular emphasis will be given to creating an adapted outdoor area. Information material Norwegian Customs and Excise After a visit to the Norwegian Customs and Excise’s detention premises at Oslo Airport Gardermoen in April 2015, the Ombudsman recommended that the customs authorities change the information sheet it gives to people selected to undergo a more thorough customs check. At the time of the NPM’s visit, the information sheet could give the impression that Customs and Excise was entitled to detain suspects until they had used the special toilet. The sheet should clearly state that use of the special toilet is voluntary under the provisions of the Customs Regulations. ›› ››The customs region has changed the wording in the information sheet so that it is clear that use of the special toilet is voluntary.