As the guidance says, "For too long the use of force has been accepted as the norm in many mental health services". People’s dignity and their civil and political rights must be respected. Although there may be circumstances in which it may be difficult to avoid the use of force, any compulsory treatment should only be used as a last resort after all other treatment and non-treatment options have been considered and excluded, and only when needed to prevent serious and imminent harm to people (see previous post). The aim should be to eliminate seclusion and segregation (see previous post). Restraint, including chemical restraint, needs to be regulated (see eg. previous post). Progress in removal of compulsion should be compliant with the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disability (CRPD) (see eg. yet another previous post).
NHS and independent hospitals must appoint a 'responsible person' to produce a policy to reduce the use of force in mental health units and collect data on any use of force. These figures will be published nationally. Staff must receive appropriate training. Hospitals have been given time to ensure Seni's law is implemented and I look forward to seeing its impact in reducing coercion.
1 comment:
Well Seni's Law has been a long time coming. Two months ago I was in hospital and I got angry because I wasnt given a sufficient bar of soap to wash with. Also I was sectioned immediately and I never saw that psychiatrist or the Two second opinion doctors. I had been drug free. I was no threat to my community. I was no threat to myself. I just got frightened and asked to be admitted I am on a CTO. Now. I was restrained twice.i am 71. Thank goodness for Seni.
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