Public Consultation on Regional Policy on the Use of Restrictive Practices in Health and Social Care Settings

Health Minister Robin Swann has launched a 12 week consultation on a draft policy on the use of restrictive practices in health and social care settings.

The use of restraint and seclusion across health and social care in Northern Ireland is difficult to quantify, with challenges in capturing and articulating data on a regional basis.  Guidance is available on the use of seclusion (The Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 Code of Practice and associated Guide), but there are limited regulatory requirements or formal standards for recording, reporting and monitoring this area of HSC activity.  Many health and social care organisations have their own governance systems to monitor the use of seclusion, yet there is currently no agreed regional approach. 

The Minister said: “The use of restrictive practices, restraint and seclusion in health and social care settings requires needs to be managed in a sensitive manner and with the utmost care, to ensure that the best outcomes for patients are achieved.

“I therefore included an action in my Department’s Mental Health Action Plan to review restraint and seclusion with a view to developing a regional policy on restrictive practices and seclusion, and associated regional operating procedures for seclusion.

“The Review was commissioned in early 2020 but the work was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  However, I am now pleased to announce the completion of a new draft policy on restrictive practices, restraint and seclusion.”

The policy has been co-produced with service users, carers, people with lived experience, the community, voluntary and independent sectors, health and social care professionals, the Health and Social Care Board, the Public Health Agency and the Health and Social Care Trusts.  It sets out clear guidance on the definition of restrictive practices, when and how they can be used and monitoring and reporting requirements.  The policy also sets out a clear operating framework for seclusion in health and social care settings to be adhered to when seclusion takes place.

Minister Swann added: “It is accepted that restrictive practice must sometimes take place in health and social care settings. When restrictive practices take place, we must ensure that their use is minimised and only used when absolutely needed.  At all times, we must consider the best interests of the person subject to the restrictive practices and how their human rights can be protected. 

“In that context and in light of the importance of this new policy, I have published it for public consultation.”

The consultation can be accessed on the Department’s website and will run for twelve weeks, closing on Friday 1 October 2021.

Notes to editors: 

1. The consultation is available to access on the Department for Health website.
2. For media enquiries please contact DoH Press Office by email: pressoffice@health-ni.gov.uk.
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4. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service For Media Enquiries Only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

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