The Mental Health Units (Use of Force) Act will commence to better protect patients in mental health settings over the inappropriate use of force.

The legislation will protect patients and workforce by providing a much-needed drive for improved record keeping and reporting of data on the use of force, the quality of staff training and the way in which investigations are carried out.

The Act, which received royal assent in November 2018, sets out the measures needed to both prevent the inappropriate use of force and ensure accountability and transparency in mental health units, ensuring patients are treated with dignity and respect at all times.

New guidance will make sure trusts will have a clearer understanding on how to comply with the duties under the Act.

Minister for Mental health Gillian Keegan said: “It is vital anyone receiving care in a mental health setting - a time which can be incredibly distressing - is treated with dignity and respect.

“Today’s legislation and guidance is an important step forward to ending the disproportionate and inappropriate use of force - protecting both patients and our fantastic workforce - within our mental health services.”