The policies of two psychiatric units in relation to the physical restraint of patients have been described as “totally unacceptable” by the State’s mental health inspector after the issue was rated in both as a “critical risk”. The Department of Psychiatry at Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown had two areas of non-compliance rated as critical risk. They related to rules governing the use of seclusion and the code of practice on the use of physical restraint. It noted 2018 was the fourth consecutive year that the approved centre was not compliant with the code of practice on the use of physical restraint. ‘Gender sensitivity’At Connolly hospital, inspectors found that two male nurses subjected one woman to physical restraint and that “cultural awareness and gender sensitivity were not demonstrated when considering the use of and when using physical restraint”.

Source: The Irish Times February 07, 2019 15:33 UTC