Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps the Government is taking to tackle the use of (a) seclusion and (b) restraint when applied inappropriately in locked mental health rehabilitation facilities.

The Government is clear that, where needed, inpatient care should be high quality, therapeutic and for the shortest time possible. The use of seclusion and any kind of restraint should only be used as a last resort and in line with strict protocols.

We are improving practice and minimising all types of force used on patients in accordance with the aims of the Mental Health Units (Use of Force) Act 2018. We are working to finalise the draft statutory guidance for this Act and accompanying public consultation.

Work is also ongoing with the Care Quality Commission, NHS Digital and NHS England and NHS Improvement to prepare for the implementation and commencement of the Act’s requirements. We will set out a timetable for publishing the statutory guidance and commencing the Act at the earliest opportunity.