Physical restraint episodes down 30% at mental health services in Cork

Cork mental health services saw a decrease of more than 30% in episodes of physical restraint last year, a report from the Mental Health Commission (MHC) has shown.

St Michael’s unit at Mercy University Hospital had the most episodes of physical restraint in Cork, and was the only service which saw figures increase in 2024, to 66, up from 63 the previous year.

Cork University Hospital’s acute mental health unit saw 55 episodes, down from 65 the previous year.

Eist Linn child and adolescent in-patient unit in Blackrock had 24 episodes, down from 37.

St Catherine’s ward in St Finbarr’s Hospital had no physical restraint episodes in either year.

Units 2, 3, 4, and 8 at St Stephen’s Hospital, Glanmire, saw 24 episodes, down from 25 in 2023.

Cois Dalua in Meelin had 21 episodes, down from 29 the previous year.

Centre for Mental Health Care and Recovery in Bantry General Hospital had no physical restraint episodes in 2024, down from fewer than five the previous year, with smaller figures not specified to avoid identifying people.

In Carraig Mór Centre in Shanakiel, physical restraint decreased dramatically from 81 in 2023 to 16 last year.

Carraig Mór Centre was the only Cork service to utilise seclusion, but also saw figures decrease from 28 instances to 16.

Overall, episodes of physical restraint declined from just over 300 in 2023 to 206 last year, in line with a decrease nationally, as figures have fallen to their lowest level since national reporting began in 2008.

The MHC report documents the use of seclusion, physical restraint, and mechanical means of bodily restraint in 66 approved in-patient mental health centres nationwide during 2024.

This is the MHC’s 16th report and forms part of its statutory remit to report independently on the quality and safety of mental health services in Ireland.

Nationally, total restrictive practices decreased by 18% in one year, and over a five-year period, the number of restrictive practice episodes reduced by almost half.

“From 2008 to 2018, episodes of physical restraint and the number of residents that were being physically restrained increased year-on-year,” said MHC chief executive John Farrelly.

“It is, therefore, encouraging to note that our work with service providers over the past number of years has continued to result in substantial reductions in restrictive practices, including seclusion.

“The data for 2024 demonstrates that clinicians and services are increasingly embedding therapeutic, rights-based approaches that prioritise dignity, safety and recovery.”