Campaigners slam Nice guidance on restraint as “wishy washy”

More mental health patients will die unless the government
issues guidance that says restraint can only be used for a maximum
of three minutes, experts have warned, writes Sally
Gillen.

New Asset  
David Bennett

Guidelines published today by the National Institute for
Clinical Excellence advise that restraint should be used for
“the shortest time possible”.

Campaigners have criticised the guidance, saying they are
disappointed the three-minute rule, recommended in the inquiry
report into the death of David Bennett, has not be included.

Bennett died in 1998 after being restrained face down for 25
minutes at a clinic in Norwich.

Dr Richard Stone, a member of the inquiry panel, said the
measure was “just not good enough,” adding it was
“wishy-washy”.

“People will continue dying in these circumstances until
the NHS has the courage to change this, which they must do
now.”

Violence: The short-term management of disturbed/violent
behaviour in psychiatric settings and emergency departments www.nice.org.uk

 

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