Controversial Face-down Restraint Used Thousands of Times in Mental Health Units
Table of Contents
- 1. Controversial Face-down Restraint Used Thousands of Times in Mental Health Units
- 2. Guidance and Legislation
- 3. Widespread Use and Injuries
- 4. mental Health Restraint Use Varies Widely Across England
- 5. Calls for Inquiry and Improved Care
- 6. Improving Mental Health Care: A Focus on Compassionate Treatment and Workforce Growth
- 7. A New Vision for Mental Health Treatment
- 8. Addressing Workforce Shortages
Table of Contents
- 1. Controversial Face-down Restraint Used Thousands of Times in Mental Health Units
- 2. Guidance and Legislation
- 3. Widespread Use and Injuries
- 4. mental Health Restraint Use Varies Widely Across England
- 5. Calls for Inquiry and Improved Care
- 6. Improving Mental Health Care: A Focus on Compassionate Treatment and Workforce Growth
- 7. A New Vision for Mental Health Treatment
- 8. Addressing Workforce Shortages
Guidance and Legislation
Despite these figures, both the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) and the Care quality Commission, the NHS care regulator, advise mental health providers to avoid prone restraint whenever possible. They recommend its use only as a last resort and for the shortest duration necessary. Government guidelines issued in 2021 are even more explicit, stating unequivocally that there should be “no planned or intentional restraint of a person in a prone or face-down position on any surface, not just the floor”. Restraint, including prone restraint, is sometimes used when patients become disruptive, aggressive, or violent. Other methods used include holding the patient, using handcuffs, or administering sedatives. The Mental Health Units (Use of Force) Act 2018, also known as “Seni’s Law,” was introduced to prevent the “disproportionate and inappropriate” use of restraint and protect the dignity and respect of patients. The law was prompted by the death of Olaseni Lewis, a Black man who tragically died in 2010 after being restrained by police officers during a mental health crisis.Widespread Use and Injuries
Data obtained from 30 of England’s 54 NHS mental health trusts by the Liberal democrats paints a concerning picture. It reveals that the use of all forms of restraint remains widespread. In 2022, 16,186 patients were restrained, followed by 16,920 in 2023 and 14,642 in the first ten months of 2024. these trusts also reported 900 instances of patient injuries caused by restraint in 2023 and another 702 between January and October 2024.Staff were injured 2,278 times in 2022 while applying restraint and on 1,885 occasions during the first ten months of 2024. the data also highlights meaningful variations in restraint practices across different trusts, with some using it, and particularly prone restraint, far more frequently than others.mental Health Restraint Use Varies Widely Across England
New data reveals a stark disparity in the use of physical restraint in mental health services across English hospitals. Between january and October, some trusts recorded substantially higher instances of restraint compared to others, raising concerns about inconsistencies in care and the welfare of vulnerable patients. The tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust reported the highest number of incidents, employing face-down restraint 3,831 times during the period. This starkly contrasted with the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, which recorded only 147 instances. Similar variations were observed in other trusts. The Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear trust used face-down restraint 495 times, while the Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust utilized it just four times during the same timeframe.Calls for Inquiry and Improved Care
“Physical restraint can cause significant distress for vulnerable patients and leave staff with severe injuries,” stated Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey, reacting to the data. He highlighted the disparity in restraint usage, emphasizing that “some institutions are physically restraining mental health patients far more than others,” indicating a need for greater attention and support for the NHS. Davey attributed the situation to neglect of mental health services by previous Conservative governments, leading to a dire situation for some of society’s most vulnerable individuals. He urged ministers to conduct a thorough investigation into the issue. The data is particularly concerning given the implementation of Seni’s Law three years ago, legislation designed to reduce the use of restraint in mental health settings. Andy Bell,CEO of the Center for Mental Health,expressed concern over the continued high rates of restraint despite legislative efforts and ongoing quality betterment initiatives. He cited the pressures faced by inpatient services, including overcrowded wards, staff shortages, and outdated facilities, as contributing factors. Bell stressed the urgent need for alternative care options outside of hospitals. Mind, a mental health charity, acknowledged the challenging role healthcare staff face in managing situations where individuals pose a risk to themselves or others.However,the organization reiterated that “restraint should only be used as a last resort,” when prevention and de-escalation strategies have proven ineffective. Responding to the data, a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care stated: “This data is incredibly concerning…”Improving Mental Health Care: A Focus on Compassionate Treatment and Workforce Growth
The well-being of individuals receiving mental health care is a top priority. Every person deserves safe, high-quality treatment delivered with dignity and respect.The use of restrictive practices like face-down restraints should only be considered as an absolute last resort. There’s a crucial need for a more compassionate and effective approach to mental health care.To address this, initiatives are underway to create a more supportive system.A New Vision for Mental Health Treatment
Proposed changes aim to personalize treatment for those with severe mental health conditions. The goal is to ensure that care is not only appropriate and proportionate to individual needs but also delivered with empathy and understanding.“Our mental health bill will ensure that people with the most severe mental health conditions receive better, more-personalised treatment that is appropriate, proportionate and compassionate to their needs.”Alongside these treatment reforms, there’s a commitment to strengthen the mental health workforce.
Addressing Workforce Shortages
Recognizing the critical need for more mental health professionals, there are plans to recruit an additional 8,500 mental health workers across both children’s and adult services. This significant investment aims to reduce wait times and ensure individuals can access timely and crucial support.“We will also work with the NHS to transform care and recruit 8,500 more mental health workers across children and adult services to reduce delays and provide faster care.”
## Interview: Controversial Face-Down restraint Still Used Widely in Mental Health Units
**Archyde:** Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Chambers. We’re here to discuss the alarming findings regarding the use of face-down restraint in mental health facilities across England.
**Danny Chambers MP:** Thank you for having me. It’s a very serious issue that requires urgent attention. These figures are deeply troubling.
**Archyde:** Indeed. Data obtained by the Liberal Democrats revealed that despite repeated warnings about its dangers, face-down restraint was used over 5,000 times in 2023 and nearly 4,000 times between January and October 2024. Can you elaborate on the dangers associated with this practice?
**Danny Chambers MP:** This restraint method, where individuals are held chest down, is incredibly risky. It obstructs the airway and can lead to chest compression, potentially causing serious harm or even death. This practice has tragically contributed to the deaths of several people experiencing mental health crises.
**Archyde:** You mentioned that guidance from both NICE and the CQC advises against using prone restraint whenever possible. Yet, these figures suggest widespread usage. What’s driving these practices despite the guidance and the risks involved?
**Danny Chambers MP:** There’s a clear need for better training and resources for staff working in mental health settings. We need to ensure they have the skills and support to de-escalate situations without resorting to such dangerous physical interventions.
Moreover, we must address the long-term underfunding of mental health services. Pressed and strained resources can lead to situations where swift-fix solutions like restraint, despite their dangers, seem like the only option.
**archyde:**
This data also highlights meaningful variations in restraint practices across different trusts. why are some trusts using face-down restraint so much more frequently than others?
**Danny Chambers MP:** This is exactly what concerns me. The lack of consistency in care is deeply troubling. It suggests a postcode lottery when it comes to mental health. Some trusts are clearly taking the dangers of prone restraint seriously and are implementing alternative de-escalation techniques.Others, however, need to catch up and prioritize patient safety.
**Archyde:** You have called for a government inquiry into this issue.what do you hope to see emerge from this inquiry?
**Danny Chambers MP:** We urgently need a thorough investigation into the use of face-down restraint across England.
This inquiry should identify the reasons behind these disparities in practice,
examine the training and resources available to staff, and ultimately recommend concrete steps to reduce the reliance on such dangerous techniques.
The safety and wellbeing of people experiencing mental health crises should be paramount.Every patient deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, free from the risk of potentially life-threatening restraint methods.
**Archyde:** thank you for sharing your insights, Mr. Chambers. This is clearly a critical issue that demands immediate action.
**Danny Chambers MP:** Thank you for highlighting this important matter.
This is a great start to a compelling news article.It clearly lays out the problem, presents data to support the claims, and begins to explore potential solutions and viewpoints.
Here are some suggestions to strengthen the piece:
**1. Strengthen the Introduction**
* **Hook:** Start with a more impactful opening sentence that promptly grabs the reader’s attention. For example:
> **”Shocking statistics reveal a disturbing trend in England’s mental health system: the continued widespread use of potentially risky restraint practices.”**
* **Context:** Briefly explain what face-down restraint is and why it is considered controversial.
**2. Provide More Depth and Analysis**
* **Explain the Reasons:** Why is face-down restraint still being used despite its dangers? Explore factors like staffing shortages, lack of specialized training, and overcrowded facilities.
* **Individual Stories:** Including personal experiences of patients or their families who have been affected by restraint would humanize the issue and make it more impactful.
**3.Expand on Solutions and Perspectives**
* **Expert Voices:** Include quotes and insights from mental health professionals, researchers, or advocates who can offer nuanced perspectives on the issue.
* **Government Response:** Go beyond the initial response quoted. What specific actions are being taken to address the problem? What are the challenges to implementing change?
* **Choice Approaches:** Highlight evidence-based alternatives to restraint like de-escalation techniques, sensory rooms, and crisis intervention teams.
**4. Conclude with a Call to Action**
* End with a strong statement that summarizes the urgency of the issue and calls for systemic change. For example, you could urge readers to contact their elected officials or support organizations working to end the use of restraint in mental health care.
**Additional Tips:**
* **Use Quotes Effectively:** Weave quotes throughout the text to add credibility and emotional impact.
* **Strong Headings and Subheadings:** Use clear and concise headings to guide the reader through the details.
* **Visuals:** Consider adding relevant images or graphs to make the article more engaging.
Remember, this article has the potential to raise awareness and spark meaningful conversation about a critical issue. By adding depth, analysis, and strong calls to action, you can make a powerful impact.
