Former health minister Robin Swann

Former health minister Robin Swann approved the new policy on restrictive practices in health and social care settings and regional operational procedures for the use of seclusion following a public consultation.

The policy applies across all areas where health and social care is delivered in Northern Ireland and is applicable across the lifespan — children, young people, adults and older people, to all health and social care staff and within all health and social care services.

It provides guidance on the definition of restrictive practices, when and how they can be used and the monitoring and reporting requirements. It also includes a clear operating framework for the use of seclusion in health and social care settings.

Peter May, permanent secretary in the Department of Health, said: “The regional policy on the use of restrictive practices in health and social care settings will provide a regional framework to integrate best practice in the management of restrictive interventions, restraint and seclusion across all areas of health and social care.”

He added: “It is accepted that restrictive practice must sometimes take place in health and social care settings. However, the emphasis should always be on elimination of the use of restrictive practices, therefore we must ensure that their use is minimised and only used when absolutely needed.

“Most importantly, 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.”

Mr May continued: “This policy is a genuine example of co-production. The draft policy has been developed through engagement with service users, carers, people with lived experience, the community, voluntary and independent sectors and health and social care representatives.

“Furthermore, the public consultation exercise in late 2021 provided a further opportunity to gain important feedback from a range of interested parties.”