Introduction
We aim to make your ward a safe and calming space to support your recovery. The team on your ward are trained and skilled in helping you with your mental health and physical wellbeing, always supporting your human rights and legal protections. If you want further information about this please speak to a member of the team.
We understand that coming into hospital can be a distressing event and we are committed to reducing restrictions that maybe imposed whilst in hospital. When we use the term restrictions we are referring to:
- Use of physical restraint
- Use of seclusion
- Rapid Tranquilisation
- Blanket Restrictions or rules that apply to everyone
- Individualised restrictive practice
Use of restrictive practice will always be a last resort and we will work collaboratively to avoid any unnecessary restrictions. The ward team will work with you to formalise an individual care plan to identify the following:
- What helps you remain calm and well
- How you react to stressful things
- How you want staff to help you during those times
- How we can help you remain safe
We feel it is important to involve family members in these discussions, where you are happy for this to take place.
If reducing restrictive practices are used we will be open, honest and offer support to prevent further incidents.
A calm and safe ward is something we will all work towards. We can all contribute to a positive and safe ward.
Restrictive Practices
Everyone has the right to be treated well and to be safe from harm in mental health units.
Restrictive practice will only be used to maintain safety and pro- mote recovery whilst providing a therapeutic environment.
When restrictive practice is used it must be reasonable, proportionate and necessary. If you are unhappy following any intervention you can speak to;
- a member of the clinical team
- an advocate - staff can provide you with contact information someone from the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) make a complaint
- a member of the Reducing Restrictive Practices team
Details of how to contact PALS and the advocacy are signposted on each ward.
Physical Restraint
Staff will always work with you to avoid this happening, but sometimes it might be necessary to maintain everyone’s safety.
This means physically holding a part of your body to restrict movement, which will always be used as a last resort, for the shortest time possible. This may also be referred to as the ‘use of force’.
Safety Pod Blanket Restrictions
Seclusion
In some areas of the trust they are using the safety pod.
The pod allows staff to support you when physical restraint is required without the need to be on the floor.
Blanket Restrictions are rules which are applied to everyone regardless of a person’s risk.
Blanket Restrictions might include restricting a person’s access to the outside world or certain rooms within a care setting; limiting or banning access to the internet and/or mobile phones, electronic games and reducing access to money are only a few examples.
This is a designated room away from the ward environment to maintain safety. There will always be a staff member to support the individual during this episode ensuring that any needs are met.
Seclusion will always be used for the shortest amount of time and will only ever be used when all other attempts to support the person have been exhausted.
Rapid Tranquilisation
The use of medication to alleviate distress. This will be in the form of an injection.
This is medication that can be offered to support you when you are struggling with difficult emotions.
These medicines are not given often to people and we will always try and work with you to reduce distress without medicines when possible.
What to do if you think the rules are not fair:
- Speak to an Independent Mental Health Advocate
- Talk to your named nurse
- Ask your parents / guardians to advocate for you
- Complain to PALS
- Contact the CQC
Individualised Restrictions
They can also be specific to you only and will always be based on risk, this might include personal items like your mobile phone or charging units. These will be in your care plan with reasons listed.
Post Incident Support and Debrief
If you are involved in any incident we will be open, honest and offer support to prevent further incidents and distress. This may include discussing what happened leading to the incident to help us understand and prevent this happening again.
For extra support following an incident you can ask for this from any staff member on your ward.
If you would like further information please ask to speak with your local Reducing Restrictive Practices Team
Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
If you have some concerns, questions or need advice on our services, you can contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on 0800 234 6088 or email the PALS Team.
Feeling low and need someone to talk to?
Call 0800 915 4640
Monday to Friday 7pm to 11pm Saturday to Sunday 12pm - Midnight
Need urgent help?
Call 0800 953 0110 24 hours a day, seven days a week
This leaflet is available in alternative languages and formats upon request. Please speak to a member of our staff to arrange this.