National Preventive Mechanism 2.2.5 Physical restraint lasting several days During a visit at the psychiatric ward of the Regional Clinic in Neunkirchen, Commission 6 dealt in depth with the case of a patient who had been physically restrained for several days. Physical restraint lasting several days violates human rights After several attempts to commit suicide and a previous stay at the Regional Clinic in Baden, the patient was admitted as an inpatient. From the time directly following his admission on Friday afternoon until his release the following Monday morning, his freedom was constantly restricted by way of multi-point restraints. Physical restraint for such a lengthy period of time is an extreme measure and a particularly massive intrusion into human dignity and fundamental personal rights. For example, the CPT has viewed mechanical restraints persisting over several days as abuse from a human rights perspective that cannot be justified. The subsequent investigative proceeding conducted by the AOB, however, showed that at restraint persisting over a longer period of time occurs extremely rarely at the Regional Clinic in Neunkirchen. Furthermore, the head of the ward verifiably set out that the present case of restraining a patient was a special case and that the necessity of restraint was documented and monitored on an ongoing basis. There had been no alternative in order to avoid the risk of an escalation of violence due to the aggressive behaviour of the patient. Reason for special case with particular circumstances Besides, the necessity and the requirements for restraint persisting over a longer period of time were re-examined in detail in the ward in order to monitor multi-point restraint even more consciously over the course of 24 hours for the protection of the patient, the nursing staff, other patients, as well as the doctors and to document it more precisely. Therefore, an additional form was introduced that will ensure a seamless documentation of sensitive treatment in such special cases. This form is intended to precisely map the constant deliberation process regarding the necessity and the proportionality of the action as well as any possible alternatives. From the perspective of the NPM, this should be positively highlighted. Clinic improves quality standards ¾¾ Restraint persisting over several days is extremely alarming from a human rights perspective and should fundamentally be avoided. ¾¾ In special cases, seamless documentation and monitoring must be ensured. 101