Taser use in mental healthcare criticized

For more than 10 years, Tasers have been used against patients in locked psychiatric settings


Taser use in mental healthcare should be banned, according to an editorial on The Guardian website.

For more than 10 years, Tasers have been used against patients in locked psychiatric settings, with such practices going unmonitored or investigated by the Care Quality Commission or the Independent Police Complaints Commission, the public body responsible for handling complaints against the police.

The use of police weaponry against detained patients is part of a much bigger problem, the article said.

Part of the problem was blamed on an overburdened system. There were 617 emergency 999 calls by one London health trust in the past 12 months.

A home affairs select committee inquiry into policing and mental health highlights concerns about the over reliance on police resources to plug the care gap in psychiatric services.

Read the article.

 



July 22, 2016


Topic Area: Security


Recent Posts

A Shift in Healthcare Facilities Management

Healthcare facilities leaders who embrace a mindset change will be better prepared for the future.


Trauma-Informed Design Transforms Boston Homeless Shelter

Case study: A comprehensive renovation of St. Francis House makes use of trauma-informed design, infrastructure upgrades and operational improvements.


Inside One of Healthcare's Most Ambitious Hospital Projects 

When someone faces a serious medical condition, having access to world-class care close to home can make all the difference. 


Disinfectant Contact Time: The Case for Biofilm Disruption

Contact time, while essential for compliance, does not reliably predict microbial reduction on actual healthcare surfaces.


Texas HHSC Reaches Construction Milestone for Panhandle State Hospital in Amarillo

Construction is expected to be completed in fall 2027.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.