Breaking News
Inspector finds excessive seclusion at city mental health unit
Galway Bay fm newsroom – The duration of seclusion periods for children at a psychiatric unit in Galway have been described as ‘excessive’ by an inspector.
The Willows and Woodsend children’s units at Merlin Park Hospital in the city had an unannounced inspection from the Mental Health Commission in February this year.
The inspection report reveals that the seclusion room – which is monitored by CCTV – was used for one teenage patient for a 27 hour period on one occasion, and for 14 hours on another occasion.
The service said seclusion was used as a last resort and at times the child was not taken out of the seclusion room as they were asleep.
The inspector pointed out that extended periods of seclusion were ‘not therapeutic,’ but commended the centre on many other aspects of its care and policy.