Thread by @VMIAC

👋Indigo here!
🧵Taking over VMIAC again with a thread...

I want to share a huge THANK YOU to everyone supporting this critical advocacy to #EndSeclusion within 2 years.

Together we're growing energy for real change.

Let's unpack some of the excuses and some actual data...

We don't want to hear excuses from the #MentalHealth sector. Like 'they can't eliminate seclusion & restraint without more beds & staff'.

There are no excuses for violent practice.

Some units have already almost eliminated, so all of them could.

We want #ActionNotExcuses.

Have a look at some variations we found in the use of seclusion between #MentalHealth services:

People in ST ALBANS
(Sunshine Hospital)

are secluded
14.8 times
more often

than people in FRANKSTON
(Frankston Hospital)

#ActionNotExcuses #EndSeclusion

Here's another variation in seclusion in the Victorian #MentalHealth sector:

People in BROADMEADOWS
(Broadmeadows Hospital)

are secluded
7.7 times
more often

than people in CRANBOURNE
(Casey Hospital)

#ActionNotExcuses #EndSeclusion

Let's look at regional variations in this violent practice in the #MentalHealth sector:

People in BALLARAT
(Ballarat Base Hospital)

are secluded
6.3 times
more often

than people in TRARALGON
(Latrobe Regional Hospital)

#ActionNotExcuses #EndSeclusion

Or what about the inner city? Nope, still huge variations:

People in NORTHCOTE
(Northern Hospital)

are secluded
6.1 times
more often

than people in FITZROY
(St Vincents Hospital)

#ActionNotExcuses #EndSeclusion

What does this tell us?

First, that the excuses we've heard about why they can't eliminate don't stack up.

Actually, there's nothing to suggest that more beds and staff won't just lead to even *more* seclusion.

We suggest it's not a resource issue, it's a culture issue.

We also think that Victorians living in:

St Albans
Broadmeadows
Northcote
& Ballarat

have as much right to safety in hospital as people living in:

Frankston
Cranbourne
Fitzroy
& Traralgon

#EndSeclusion

We know the #MentalHealth sector finds it hard to imagine stopping what they've always done. Perhaps they won't be able to imagine non-violent practice until they have to.

We need cultures that won't tolerate violence.

And leaders who offer action, not excuses.

#EndSeclusion

Want a copy of The full Seclusion Report?
Download it here:
vmiac.org.au/vmiac-seclusio…

Please help us keep attention on this issue.

Keep sharing, keep talking.

Until we get a commitment to real & immediate action.

#EndSeclusion
#ActionNotExcuses