Robin Swann

The 91-page draft document aims to minimise the use of restrictive practices and has been drawn up in conjunction with both service users and health professionals.

It aims to set 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.

A review of restrictive practices was originally commissioned in early 2020 but the completion of the new draft policy was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Health Minister Robin Swann said: “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.