Edinburgh Children's Mental Health Unit Ordered to Improve Use of Restraints after Inspection

A recent unannounced inspection of the Melville Unit at Edinburgh's Royal Hospital for Children and Young People has highlighted significant concerns regarding the use of physical restraint and nasogastric tube feeding under restraint on young patients aged 12 to 17. The Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland and Healthcare Improvement Scotland found that while restraint is sometimes necessary, it was not always conducted safely or lawfully, with poor record-keeping and a lack of physical health checks following restraint incidents. The report called for urgent improvements, emphasizing the need for care that meets legal requirements and safety standards, especially given the vulnerable mental health conditions of the patients. Children and Young People’s Commissioner Nicola Killean expressed deep concern about potential rights breaches and has been raising these issues with the Scottish Government for over two years. The inspection comes amid broader government efforts to increase scrutiny of mental health units after allegations of cruelty at another facility, Skye House in Glasgow. NHS Lothian has committed to implementing a robust action plan to address the recommendations and enhance the quality of care at the Melville Unit.