Implementation of Duties and Powers of the National Preventive Mechanism in 2010 5. Visits to psychiatric hospitals In 2010, on the basis of exercising the duties and powers of the National Preventive Mechanism according to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, the Human Rights Ombudsman of the Republic of Slovenia (the Ombudsman) visited the psychiatric hospitals in Vojnik and Idrija. We inspected all hospital wards which, in accordance with the Mental Health Act (ZDZdr), are secure wards. Both visits were unannounced. One visit was performed by the Ombudsman’s representatives together with representatives of the contractual non-governmental organisations, namely the Legal Information Centre of NGOs (PIC) and Slovenian Red Cross, and the other visit was performed only by the Ombudsman’s representatives since the participant non-governmental organisations were not able to provide their representative. The main purpose of the visit was to monitor how persons accommodated in secure wards were treated, with the aim of eliminating any potential established irregularities. The first part of the visit was dedicated to an introductory interview with the management of the hospital, followed by an inspection of secure wards, a review of randomly chosen cases in files which have to be kept in accordance with the provisions set forth in ZDZdr, and interviews with randomly chosen patients who were willing to talk to us. At the end of the visit, we spoke to the management of the hospital again and informed them of the most important observations and, when possible, proposed that they promptly eliminate the established irregularities. Reports on the findings were prepared after both visits, including recommendations to improve the situation. The final report was prepared following the response report by the visited hospitals, taking into account potential comments and in some cases, the adopted measures related to DPM recommendations. Each final report was submitted for information to the Expanded Professional Board of Psychiatry at the Ministry of Health and to the Ministry of Health. The key findings of the DPM relating to the two visits are presented below, and both final reports are published on the web page http://www.varuh-rs. si/o-instituciji/podrocja-delavaruha/varuh-kot-drzavni-preventivni-mehanizem/. Secure wards Vojnik Hospital has two secure wards, a female reception ward and a male reception ward, each having 25 beds. The Idrija Hospital has four secure wards, a female reception ward with 21 beds, a male reception ward with 20 beds, a geronto-psychiatric (mixed gender) ward with 17 beds, and a general psychiatric (male) ward with 22 beds. Although the number of forensic patients (patients accommodated in the hospital on the basis of imposed obligatory psychiatric treatment and custody in a health institution) in both hospitals is decreasing, the need to set up a so-called forensic hospital was emphasised in both hospitals due to the particular needs of such patients. According to the obtained information, forensic patients also constitute a major financial burden for both hospitals, since the full cost of a day of care is only “recognised” for the first 48 days of treatment; thereafter, only half the cost is recognised (approximately EUR 45 per day). During our visit, capacities in secure wards were not exceeded in any hospital. The rooms were spacious, with daylight and the possibility of ventilation. The standard room equipment included a bed, a night-stand table and a wardrobe. Equipment in the rooms was properly maintained and served its purpose. There were no bed-side reading lights in Vojnik Hospital. This could be disturbing in multiple-bed room when a patient switches on the main light and disturbs other patients. Therefore, we proposed that the hospital consider the possibility of installing bedside reading lights for all beds in both secure wards. We proposed to the Idrija Hospital to replace the missing bed-side night stand tables. We assessed that in all secure wards, the hygiene of patients was adequately provided for and that the available beds and other rooms in secure wards provided the patients with sufficient 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 49