On 20 June 2023, Human Rights Ombudsman Peter Svetina visited the Medical Director of the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Dr Irena Oblak. They spoke about the issue of the placement of patients into an appropriate environment within the framework of social care services after the completion of their treatment.

They devoted special attention to the issue of placing people who have completed their hospital treatment and have nowhere to go and hence remain in hospitals, including at the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana (OI). The Medical Director explained that patients remain hospitalised at the OI even though their treatment has been completed, but they need extra help or care which could be provided to them within a social care institution.

Related to this, the Ombudsman has long been warning those responsible that this question demands a systematic solution and regrets that his calls have not yet been heeded. “Last year we again encountered problems of people who, after their hospital treatment has been completed, cannot return to their home environment without the necessary care, but there is no appropriate place for them within social care services. Thus, we warn the Ministry of Labour, Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Solidarity-Based Future that it is especially urgent that in the transitional period until the enforcement of the legislation in the field of long-term care they ensure the implementation of Article 40a of the Rules on procedures for exercising the right to institutional care or determine the exact protocol for placing gravely ill and aged people into institutional care, help for families at home without waiting periods or temporary placement into nursing hospitals or wards,” emphasised Ombudsman Svetina at the meeting.

He added that in connection to institutional care the Human Rights Ombudsman has been advocating a process of deinstitutionalisation and places an emphasis on living and care within a community. This process is still running too slowly and must follow the wishes of people who want to stay in their home environment.