Minister for Mental Health Gillian Keegan MP launches new law
Minister for Mental Health Gillian Keegan MP visited Bethlem Royal Hospital to launch legislation which will help to ensure people who use mental health services receive the best standard of mental health care and support better accountability and transparency over the use of force in mental health units.
The Mental Health Units (Use of Force) Act 2018, known as Seni’s Law, is named after Olaseni Lewis who died after being forcibly restrained in 2010. The guidance which was published today, will ensure Mental Health Trusts across England have a clearer understanding on how to put the law in to practice.
Gillian Keegan MP joined Aji Lewis and her family, staff from South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and organisations who informed the government consultation on the act to mark the occasion today at Bethlem Royal Hospital.
David Bradley, Chief Executive of South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust said:
“We are strong advocates of Seni’s Law and pleased with today’s announcement. Everyone we serve in our diverse communities should be able to experience the best standard of mental health care and treatment. They can expect to be treated with kindness, compassion, dignity and respect when they use mental health services.
“As a Trust, we remain strongly committed to educating and supporting our staff to ensure we can deliver safe care to everyone in our services. We are proud that there has been a significant reduction in restrictive practices across South London and Maudsley and we have been awarded the Challenging Inequalities Service Provider Award at the Restraint Reduction Network Conference 2021. However we absolutely recognise that we have more to do.”
Reducing the use of detention under the Mental Health Act and our use of restraint is a key part of the Trust’s five year strategy Aiming High Changing Lives.
Sir Norman Lamb, Chair, said:
“We welcome this vitally important legislation and guidance which will support staff working in mental health units across England.
“I would like to thank Aji Lewis for her ongoing leadership and support in ensuring the guidance is robust as possible. It is critical that we continue to learn from Seni Lewis’ tragic death and ensure his story is never forgotten.”
Gillian Keegan MP met with nurses and service users at Bethlem Royal Hospital to hear about their experiences and the Trust’s steps drive safer, more collaborative care.
