Coming to our Senses

The Sydney Children's Hospitals Network

Coming to our Senses
Minimising the use of seclusion and restraint practice for adolescents in mental health inpatient units through early de-escalation is a priority for safe care.

The Saunders Unit at Sydney Children’s Hospital (SCH), Randwick, identified the need for a Sensory Room to offer early time-out to our young people when they are distressed, giving patients and staff a safe and healthy environment. The room empowers our inpatients to de-escalate and/or self-soothe safely. 

Adapted Experience-based Co-Design was used to bring inpatients together with hospital staff to design and paint a mural in the sensory room, and to share their collaborative experience. This change was part of an overall strategy to reduce the likelihood of seclusion and restraint practice.​
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Current as at: Wednesday 3 October 2018
Contact page owner: NSW Ministry of Health