Dr. Lorcan Martin:

I would like to make two points regarding seclusion and restraint. The rules and codes of practice specify that it must never be used for operational reasons. In other words, a ward being short-staffed is never a reason to use seclusion or restraint to manage patients who may have challenging behaviour. Following an episode of seclusion or restraint, there is an obligation to conduct a multidisciplinary team review with the patient to talk through the experience.

It can be a very upsetting experience, particularly in the case of seclusion. Of course, good practice dictates we should talk to the patient about it in any event, but it is mandatory under the codes of practice and rules from the Mental Health Commission that it be done.