Home ⋅ Published Books ⋅ Steps Declining use of restrictive practices in approved centres in Ireland in 2023 and 2024: by the Mental Health Commission

Steps Declining use of restrictive practices in approved centres in Ireland in 2023 and 2024: by the Mental Health Commission
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By: Mental Health Commission
Publisher: Mental Health Commission
Published: September 2025
Pages: 189
Categories: Medicine, Non-Fiction
Language: English
Available as: Paperback
On sale at:
ISBN-13: 9781739568962

he steps that contributed to the declining use of restrictive practices in Irish approved centres from 2023-2024, as detailed by the Mental Health Commission (MHC), include the implementation of a human rights-based approach through revised Rules and a Code of Practice effective January 2023, the MHC's ongoing monitoring and enforcement of these regulations via corrective action plans, and a nationwide focus on trauma-informed care. Specific measures like the ban on mechanical restraint in CAMHS, increased consultation with stakeholders for the new regulations, and the provision of training to service providers and first responders further advanced this trend. Key Steps Taken by the MHC and Service Providers 1. Revised Rules and Code of Practice: In September 2022, the MHC published revised rules governing mechanical restraint and seclusion, along with a revised code of practice for physical restraint, which took effect on January 1, 2023. These revisions were based on a human rights framework, promoting person-centred care and the inherent rights of individuals. 2. Monitoring and Enforcement: The MHC requires all approved centres to develop and implement corrective action plans (CAPAs) to address non-compliances with these regulations. The MHC monitors the implementation of these CAPAs and takes enforcement action when necessary, ranging from requesting further information to potentially removing a centre from the register. 3. Stakeholder Engagement: The development of the MHC's five-year strategy, "Supporting Change," involved extensive consultation with service users, families, clinicians, and various state and non-governmental organizations. This collaborative approach helped shape the revised rules and strategies for reducing restrictive practices. 4. QualityRights Training: The MHC launched a human rights-based approach to mental health care, which included the introduction of the WHO's QualityRights initiative. This initiative involves training for service providers, first responders, and stakeholders to promote a rights-based approach. Specific Initiatives and Their Impact Protection of Children: Mechanical restraint was banned for children in January 2023, and significant reductions in seclusion and physical restraint were seen in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). Focus on Shorter Restraints: Between 2022 and 2024, there was a 89% decrease in the number of physical restraints lasting over 15 minutes, with most episodes being short in duration. Reduced Use of Mechanical Restraint: While still rare, the use of mechanical restraint continued to decrease, with revised rules establishing a maximum duration of four hours and restricting its use to situations with an immediate threat of serious harm.

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