Restraint

The aim of this policy is to provide direction for staff in relation to the use of restraint. The Policy aims to provide a decision making framework which will support staff in balancing their duty of care, with the rights of the patient and the rights of staff to protect themselves from harm.

Care and treatment will be delivered in such a way that patient’s rights are not compromised, and in situations in which this is unavoidable restraint will be used within the context of what is legally and ethically justifiable.

Staff will be informed and supported in making decisions about restraint, the necessary considerations and potential alternatives.

All incidents requiring restraint will be controlled by the implementation of this policy, risk assessment, and competently trained staff.

If an intervention is being used with the primary aim of stopping a person from doing what they appear to want to do, then it can be defined as restraint.

Whenever restraint is used, there are some universal principles that must always be adhered to:

• The behaviour must be causing or have the potential to cause harm to the individual, others or serious damage to property.
• Any form of restraint used must be necessary and proportionate.
• A risk assessment should be conducted balancing the risks of restraint with the risks of not using restraint.
• All alternatives to restraint must have been considered and if appropriate implemented (except in emergency situations).
• Restraint must not be used for retaliation, retribution, or ‘teaching someone a lesson’