Security staff used to restrain patients

Reports by the country’s mental health watchdog have raised concerns over the admission of children to unsuitable adult facilities, and the involvement of security staff in the physical restraint of patients.

A total of nine inspection reports of approved centres were published by the Mental Health Commission yesterday. One centre, Willow Grove Adolescent Unit on the grounds of the St Patrick’s Hospital Group, was found to be fully compliant.

The others were mostly compliant across the various categories and many achieved excellent levels of compliance in some areas, but shortcomings were also highlighted.