Olaseni’s Law, officially known as the Mental Health Units (Use of Force) Act 2018, is a landmark piece of legislation in the United Kingdom aimed at regulating the use of force in mental health settings. Named after Olaseni Lewis, a young man who died following excessive restraint in a mental health unit, the law seeks to prevent similar tragedies by increasing transparency, improving staff training, and ensuring accountability in mental health care.
The Tragic Case of Olaseni Lewis
Olaseni Lewis, a 23-year-old Black man, was a postgraduate student who voluntarily admitted himself to Bethlem Royal Hospital in London in 2010 for mental health treatment. When he became agitated, hospital staff called the police rather than employing de-escalation techniques.
A total of 11 police officers restrained Olaseni using excessive force, leading to him falling unconscious due to oxygen deprivation. He later died in the hospital, sparking outrage and calls for change. An inquest found that the police restraint was excessive, disproportionate, and unreasonable, and Olaseni’s parents fought tirelessly for justice, leading to the introduction of the law in his name.
Key Provisions of Olaseni’s Law
The Mental Health Units (Use of Force) Act 2018 was enacted to address the misuse of force in mental health units. The key aspects of the law include:
1. Recording and Transparency
- Mental health units must record all instances of force used on patients.
- Data on the use of force, including demographic details (such as race and age), must be collected and published to identify trends and disparities.
2. Mandatory Training for Staff
- Mental health staff must receive training on de-escalation techniques, cultural sensitivity, and trauma-informed care.
- Training must emphasize alternatives to physical restraint to ensure patient safety.
3. Oversight and Accountability
- Each hospital must appoint a responsible person to oversee and monitor the use of force.
- Families must be notified when force is used against a patient.
4. Police Accountability in Mental Health Settings
- When police are called to mental health units, they must wear body cameras to provide an accurate record of their actions.
- Police must adhere to clear guidelines on the use of force when dealing with vulnerable individuals in mental health crises.
5. Independent Investigations
- Any death or serious injury resulting from the use of force must be subject to an independent investigation.
Why Olaseni’s Law Matters
The law addresses systemic issues in mental health care and law enforcement, particularly concerning the treatment of Black and minority ethnic individuals, who are disproportionately affected by the use of force in psychiatric settings. The act aims to:
- Prevent excessive and unnecessary restraint, which has led to patient deaths in the past.
- Improve patient rights and dignity, ensuring mental health care is compassionate and non-coercive.
- Hold institutions accountable, making mental health services safer for all.
Challenges in Implementation
Despite its enactment, there have been challenges in fully implementing Olaseni’s Law. Some of these include:
- Lack of awareness and training delays among mental health staff and police.
- Gaps in data collection and reporting, making it difficult to track the full impact of the law.
- Ongoing racial disparities in the use of force, indicating the need for continued oversight and reform.
The Future of Mental Health Reform
While Olaseni’s Law is a significant step forward, campaigners continue to push for further changes, such as:
- Increased investment in community-based crisis response services to reduce police involvement in mental health emergencies.
- Stronger enforcement of the law, ensuring full compliance in all mental health units.
- Further research and policy changes to address racial and social inequalities in mental health care.
Conclusion
Olaseni’s Law is a vital piece of legislation that seeks to prevent the tragic loss of life due to excessive force in mental health care settings. By emphasizing transparency, training, and accountability, the law represents a crucial step toward a more humane and just mental health system. However, continued efforts are needed to ensure that its provisions are fully implemented and that mental health care remains a place of healing, not harm.
