with new and fresh beverages in clean jugs. Tea or another beverage according to the residents’ wishes, e.g. juice in warmer months, are available every day on the secure ward (and at all other wards). For years, drinking water dispensers were in the dining room on the ground floor and on the first floor (opposite the secure ward). The NPM recommended that the door leading outside (to the park) be kept locked only in bad weather and when the independent exit of individual residents of the Jurišinci Unit could be dangerous (catching a cold in cold weather, slipping on iced floor or in rain). Ptuj Retirement Home particularly highlighted in its reply to the preliminary report that they agreed with the findings of the preliminary report, and they would observe the proposals when planning improvements and implementing services in the future. The NPM recommended that the Tolmin Unit consider arranging a suitable room to enable a peaceful and dignified death for people dying, their relatives, staff and volunteers (e.g. the Hospice Association) without the unnecessary external distractions or limitations imposed by living in a multi-bed room. Podbrdo Retirement Home agreed that it would be appropriate to have a room where people could die peacefully, but it also stated that it was unable to provide such a room in current conditions. Communal rooms where residents could withdraw with their relatives or other visitors are scarce in Trubar Retirement Home. The NPM recommended considering a rearrangement of the non-functioning reception area. Since pieces of glass were attached to the sensory tactile board used by residents of Polde Eberl Jamski Retirement Home in Izlake, the NPM recommended that these pieces be attached elsewhere and outside the residents’ reach, or smoothed out to prevent potential cuts. In their reply to the preliminary report, the management of Polde Eberl Jamski Retirement Home stated that the residents used the multi-sensory room only when accompanied by occupational therapists, so they were never alone in the room. The pieces of glass provided more light effects, and if residents tried to reach for the glass, the occupational therapist re-directed them and ensured their safety. Nevertheless, sharp ends would be smoothed out. Smoking room The NPM recommended that Radenci Retirement Home examine the possibility of arranging a smoking room, since smoking outside is uncomfortable for residents in cold and bad weather. The management of the home thanked the NPM for their comments, proposals and commendations, which they stated that they would try to observe to the best of their abilities and as much as possible during their work. Since the management had failed to provide a precise reply, except a general clarification regarding the recommendation, we understood the recommendation had been accepted and that the management would try to realise it. The NPM pointed out that although residents of Medvode Retirement Home had free outdoor access and an area for smoking, smoking was actually disabled. Considering that this was an encroachment on freedom of conduct, we expressed reservations regarding such treatment. In their reply to our preliminary report, the management clarified that all residents in the secure ward who smoked were able to smoke whenever they wished. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE NPM IN 2016 NATIONAL PREVENTIVE MECHANISM UNDER THE OPTIONAL PROTOCOL TO THE UN CONVENTION AGAINST TORTURE AND OTHER CRUEL, INHUMAN OR DEGRADING TREATMENT OR PUNISHMENT 33