Institutions ‘use drugs to subdue residents’

LARGE residential institutions are using medication to subdue residents who exhibit challenging behaviour, it has been claimed.

Clinical psychologist with the Brothers of Charity, Dr Brian McClean, said the quality of life for people who live in large residential settings, of which there are 72, is extremely poor and there is a “terrible lack” of activity, respect, dignity and family participation.

The institutions are home to more than 4,200 people with intellectual disabilities.