Health and care system needs to work together to reduce the use of restrictive practices
21 May 2019
- The Care Quality Commission has published an interim report for its review of restraint, prolonged seclusion and segregation for people with a mental health problem, learning disability and or autism.
- The report found that a high proportion of people in segregation had autism (31 of the 39 people).
- It also found that many staff lacked the necessary training and skills to work with people with autism who also have complex needs and challenging behaviour.
- Thirteen of the 39 people were experiencing delayed discharge from hospital, leading to prolonged time in segregation.
The deputy chief executive of NHS Providers, Saffron Cordery said:
“This review of restrictive practices and segregation by CQC is timely and welcome, focusing on some of the most vulnerable in society. It is right that we regularly review both the nature of care delivered and the rights of those receiving it.
It is clear that across NHS services and the independent sector more work must be done to ensure the system is fit for purpose.
“It is clear that across NHS services and the independent sector more work must be done to ensure the system is fit for purpose.
“We need urgent action now to put resources in place so that we can treat people speedily and appropriately. This means no longer using long periods of isolation which can have a devastating impact on mental health and wellbeing, and clearly restrictive interventions and segregation must be a last resort.
NHS trusts and other providers must work with partners to determine the best route to the tailored care needs of the patient.
“The CQC is right to point out that tackling this challenge will require effort from across the health and care system. NHS trusts and other providers must work with partners to determine the best route to the tailored care needs of the patient. This includes working with commissioners to reduce the difference in the level of support available area to area.
“To do this will require investment. Investment in our mental health workforce to overcome the severe shortage of specialist staff needed to deliver this level of care. We must also see investment in facilities to improve the level and speed of access to autism and learning disability support.”