Seclusion Spaces Within NHS

Synopsis

‘Seclusion refers to the supervised confinement and isolation of a patient, away from other patients, in an area from which the patient is prevented from leaving, where it is of immediate necessity for the purpose of the containment of severe behavioural disturbance which is likely to cause harm to others.’ – Mental Health Act, 1983. The demand for these types of spaces were due to increased mental health demand and acuity linked to Covid-19. The previous system meant that patients were taken off-ward which had negative effects including: increased state of despair to the service user; increase safety risk to staff members whilst escorting to and from distant seclusion spaces; reduced staff numbers on the wards as a result of transfer off-ward; and Covid-19 related safety issues. This person centred approach helped to provide psychological informed environments and improve safety for staff and patients. The presentation will consist of the emergence of Seclusion suites drawing on the design of MPUFT’s examples/ case studies at Redwoods, Shrewsbury and St Georges Hospital, Stafford. The Redwoods seclusion suite was a purpose-built inpatient facility for adults with acute mental health problems, dementia and rehabilitation needs. It will outline outcomes, challenges and successes in relation to previously delivered projects to enhance learning on clinical, operational and estates areas within the NHS. It will focus on the key features and main design elements for seclusion and detailed accounts from clinical staff on their views and lessons learnt. From delivering multiple seclusion suites (new build and refurbishments) we feel that MPUFT provide the relevant expertise to enhance awareness and importance of seclusion in the overall healthcare sector.