25% Decrease In Use Of Restrictive Practices In Midlands Mental Health Facilities

The Mental Health Commission has published its annual report.

There was a 25% decrease in the use of restrictive practices used in midlands mental health facilities in 2019. 

The Mental Health Commission has published its annual report.

59 fewer incidents of seclusion and physical restraint took place in the region last year. 

The biggest decrease was in the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise, which saw 45 less individual incidences of restrictive practice. 

There was also a drop of 16 episodes in St. Loman's Mullingar and 7 fewer in the Cluain Lír Care Centre.

The Maryborough Centre in St. Fintan's Hospital is the only location that recorded an increase, going from less than five cases in 2018 to 12 the following year. 

Seclusion - or confining a patient alone in a room where free exit is prevented - was also used less often.

It took place 26 times in St. Loman's Mullingar last year, with the average duration found to be five and a half hours. 

22 cases of seclusion took place in Portlaoise Regional Hospital in 2019, down from 37 the previous year. 

The average length of time each person spent secluded was significantly higher, 23 hours and 45 minutes.

Overall, Portlaoise ranks 27th and St. Loman's 29th in a list of where restrictive practices were used most in Ireland.  

The Cluain Lír Care centre is 41st and Maryborough Centre 44th out of 65 approved facilities.

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