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This policy and procedure provides clear guidance on the use of seclusion and long-term segregation within Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust. It allows the Trust to demonstrate that the use of restrictive practices meet and uphold the guiding principles of the Mental Health Act Code of Practice (2015) and that they remain proportionate, least restrictive, last for no longer than is necessary, and take account of patient preference wherever possible.

Restrictive practices are any type of support or practice that limits the rights, freedom, or movement of a person within services. Restrictive interventions are ways staff may intervene in crisis situations to prevent harm e.g. physical restraint, seclusion, long term segregation, supportive observations, rapid tranquilisation. This Policy will guide staff to ensure that the Trust and its workforce provide compassionate, trauma- informed and recovery focused individual care to the people who use our services in the safest and least restrictive manner.

This policy provides a clear directive to Operational Managers and clinical teams for bed/ capacity management within the Mid Mersey Division. This policy only applies to acute adult inpatient beds and later life and memory services inpatient beds This policy excludes the use of Children’s and Forensic beds