Mind comments on new NICE guidelines on restraint

Posted Wednesday 23 February 2005

In response to the new NICE guidelines for the  management of disturbed/violent behaviour in psychiatric settings, Richard Brook, Chief Executive of Mind, said:

"It's been clear for years that these guidelines are desperately needed, and their introduction is welcome. Positive steps have been taken to include more training for staff on anticipating and de-escalating situations in which violence may occur.

"We are, however, dismayed that the guidelines do not specify a maximum time limit for physical restraint. The death of Rocky Bennett in 1998, after his restraint, face down, for twenty to thirty minutes, tragically illustrated how vital such limits are. Failure to introduce a maximum time limit for restraint seriously threatens the wellbeing of some of the most vulnerable people in the mental health system."

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