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Rise in Psychiatric Solitary Confinement in Netherlands
Despite previous commitments, the use of solitary confinement for psychiatric patients in the Netherlands is rising, causing alarm among healthcare professionals and advocates.
Dutch
Netherlands
Human Rights ViolationsHealthNetherlandsHealthcareMental HealthPatient RightsSolitary Confinement
Inspectie Gezondheidszorg En JeugdNederlandse GgzDolhuys
Yolande VoskesVincent KarremansPeter Pierik
- What is the response of the Dutch government to the concerning statistics?
- Staatssecretaris Vincent Karremans has requested further clarification from the Inspectorate to better understand the data and facilitate constructive dialogue with stakeholders.
- What is the significance of the Dolhuys Manifest in relation to this issue?
- The Dolhuys Manifest, signed in 2016 by 15 major Dutch mental healthcare institutions, pledged to abolish solitary confinement due to its traumatic effects on patients, but this goal has not been met.
- What are some of the contributing factors to the increase in seclusion of psychiatric patients?
- The increase is attributed to several factors, including staff shortages leading to less familiarity with patients and a quicker resort to seclusion.
- What are the concerns expressed by experts and advocates regarding the increased use of solitary confinement?
- Psychiatric nurse and health scientist Yolande Voskes and others express concern about the rising trend, emphasizing that seclusion is not a form of care and causes harm to already vulnerable individuals.
- What is the overall trend regarding the use of solitary confinement for psychiatric patients in the Netherlands?
- The number of psychiatric patients placed in solitary confinement in the Netherlands has increased by almost 10 percent, despite earlier promises to eliminate the practice.