What's happening?
Following the ‘Review of seclusion, restraint and observation of consumers with a mental illness in NSW
Health facilities’, we will implement the following recommendations.
NSW Health must adopt a mental health
patient safety program, informed by
contemporary improvement science |
Implement a statewide mental health patient safety program |
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How can I be involved?
Every local health district and specialty health network will invite patients, carers and their families to be
included in designing their prevention action plans. To find out more, contact your local health district.
What is a patient safety program?
Patient safety programs use proven methods to study and improve care. NSW Health has examples of
successful patient safety programs led by the Clinical Excellence Commission. These include the adult patient
safety and paediatric patient safety programs. The Clinical Excellence Commission has expertise and has
supported health services to apply tools and techniques to improve the quality and safety of care.
What is a mental health patient safety program?
Mental health safety programs use the same methods and work in partnership with consumers, carers and
families to improve safety in mental health services. The Scottish Patient Safety Programme for Mental Health
is an example of an effective patient safety program. It includes the reduction of seclusion and restraint as
one part of safety improvement.
Why do we need a mental health patient safety program?
While most individual services have made progress in reducing seclusion and restraint, there has not been a
sustained statewide approach. A statewide program will provide more opportunities for shared learning and
innovation. With a wider reach, it is expected to have greater impact and deliver more sustainable results.