The Use of Restrictive Practices in Approved Centres Seclusion, Mechanical Restraint and Physical Restraint: Activity Report 2020
Report on the use of restrictive practices in approved centres during 2020.
This is the MHC’s eleventh annual activity report on the use of restrictive practices (seclusion, mechanical restraint and physical restraint) in approved centres.
One of the core elements of the mission of the MHC is to report independently on the quality and safety of mental health services in Ireland. Certain restrictive practices are regulated by the Mental Health Act, 2001 through statutory rules and codes of practice.
Restrictive Practices
This includes the use of mechanical means of bodily restraint, physical restraint and seclusion.
Seclusion
Seclusion is defined as “the placing or leaving of a person in any room alone, at any time, day or night, with the exit door locked or fastened or held in such a way as to prevent the person from leaving”.
Mechanical Restraint
Mechanical restraint is defined as “the use of devices or bodily garments for the purpose of preventing or limiting the free movement of a patient’s body”.
Physical Restraint
Physical restraint is defined as “the use of physical force (by one or more persons) for the purpose of preventing the free movement of a resident’s body when he or she poses an immediate threat of serious harm to self or others”.
Date of Publication: 30/12/21
