A LEADING charity has raised concerns over restraints being used on people with a learning disability.

NHS Digital has published data which shows patients at the Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, which runs Bromsgrove's Princess of Wales Hospital, were restrained 10 times in just eight months.

The figures cover the period since the NHS first started producing them last year.

Dan Corner, head of policy and public affairs at learning disability charity Mencap, said the use of such techniques was likely lead to an increase in challenging behaviour.

He said: “Guidance set out by the government clearly shows that restrictive interventions should only be used as a last resort.

“However, these figures suggest that it is routine.

“This is unacceptable and deeply shocking.

“These are completely inappropriate environments – they are noisy and chaotic places, where people are regularly subjected to over medication, isolation and segregation."

A spokeswoman for Worcestershire Health and NHS Trust, said: "“Our staff are trained in supporting patients appropriately including when they are experiencing distress and/or agitation.

"While our focus is on providing a safe and calming environment, our priority also has to be ensuring the safety of patients, carers and members of staff at all times.

"Each of our staff follow national guidance around restraint, however our preferred method is to talk to people to calm them down and our staff are well trained and equipped with the techniques to do this”