PRESS STATEMENT: College Disappointed to see Findings of Inspector of Mental Health Services show Increased use of Seclusion and Restraint in our Hospitals

PRESS STATEMENT: College Disappointed to see Findings of Inspector of Mental Health Services show Increased use of Seclusion and Restraint in our Hospitals

The College is very disappointed to see the data published today on levels of restrictive practices in hospitals. This is another manifestation of the under-resourcing of services for people with serious psychiatric illness.

Seclusion and restraint should only be necessary in extreme circumstances as early intervention and support should prevent any individual becoming so unwell that their safety or the safety of others requires such intervention. Unfortunately the experience of frontline psychiatrists in Ireland currently is that they lack the resources in trained personnel to ensure all people in need get the variety of evidenced based, individualised interventions they require.

Commenting Dr John Hillery, President of the College, said;

“The recently announced larger amounts of money in Budget 2019 for mental health services still do not bring Ireland up to the level of required funding for psychiatric services in line with the Sláintecare recommendation of 10% of the overall Health budget and when compared to other countries.

The College once again calls on government to rectify this”.