Helsingin Sanomat reports on Sunday that some healthcare districts have increased their use of isolation and restraints in treating the mentally ill.
This is despite a goal of a reduction of 40 percent in use of physical restraint and isolation compared to 2009 levels by 2015. The measures are internationally controversial: in Iceland physically restraining patients is forbidden, while in Denmark isolation is not allowed.
Medical staff in North and East Savo, Kymenlaakso, Lapland and Helsinki and Uusimaa hospital districts have cut down on restraints and isolation. On the other hand, patients in Länsi-Pohja, Åland, South Karelia and Kanta Häme are more likely to face such measures.