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A new law will ensure better accountability and
transparency over the use of force in mental health
units
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New guidance published sets out clear advice to ensure
NHS trusts comply with the law
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The Act, known as Seni’s Law, is named
after Olaseni Lewis who died as a result of being forcibly
restrained in 2010
Patients in mental health settings will be better protected from
inappropriate use of force following the commencement of landmark
regulations and publication of guidance of the Mental Health
Units (Use of Force) Act 2018 today (Tuesday 7
December).
The important legislation will protect patients and workforce by
providing a much-needed drive for improved record keeping and
reporting of data on the use of force, the quality of staff
training and the way in which investigations are carried out.
The Act sets out the measures needed to both prevent the
inappropriate use of force and ensure accountability and
transparency in mental health units, ensuring patients are
treated with dignity and respect at all times.
New guidance published today will make sure trusts will have a
clearer understanding on how to comply with the duties under the
Act.
Minister for Mental health said:
“It is vital anyone receiving care in a mental health
setting - a time which can be incredibly distressing - is treated
with dignity and respect.
“Today’s legislation and guidance is an important step
forward to ending the disproportionate and inappropriate use of
force - protecting both patients and our fantastic workforce -
within our mental health services.
“We must ensure what happened to Seni does not happen to anyone
else. I want to thank Seni’s family, particularly his mother Aji,
and for driving this work
forward.”
The Act, which received royal assent in November 2018, is better
known as Seni’s Law and is named after Olaseni Lewis, who died as
a result of being disproportionately restrained while a voluntary
inpatient in a mental health unit in South London.
The guidance has been developed following extensive engagement
with the mental health sector and a wide range of stakeholders
including those with lived experience, the NHS, regulators and
Aji Lewis and Seni’s family.
Aji Lewis, Seni’s mother said:
“It’s so good to see the guidance published today and the Act
being commenced.
“This is my son’s legacy, and I hope it will mean what happened
to Seni will not happen to anyone else.
“I look forward to continuing to work with the government and
mental health providers to make sure the act is properly
implemented and real change is achieved”
said:
“I’m delighted the guidance for Seni’s Law has now been published
and a date is in sight for the Act to come into force.
“Seni Lewis died in tragic and avoidable circumstances. His
legacy is this Act and the changes it makes to ensure people with
mental ill health are treated with care, compassion and respect.”
Seni’s Law forms part of the government’s wider commitment to
transform mental health services for those with severe mental
illness and follows publication of the Mental Health Act White
Paper earlier this year which set out proposals for once in a
generation reform.
