(a) the patient must be clinically observed by a member of the SMHU nursing staff at intervals not exceeding –
(i) 15 minutes; or
(ii) such other intervals as the standing orders may mandate; and
(b) the seclusion must not extend beyond 3 hours unless –
(i) the patient has been assessed by a medical practitioner within those 3 hours; and
(ii) after conducting a physical examination of the patient, a medical practitioner or approved nurse authorises the continuation of the seclusion for one specified period not exceeding 3 hours; and
(c) the patient must be assessed by a medical practitioner at intervals not exceeding 3 hours to see if the seclusion should continue or be terminated; and
(d) the Chief Psychiatrist may impose conditions on the seclusion of the patient at any point during the period of seclusion for the patient; and
(e) while secluded, the patient must be provided with –
(i) suitable clean clothing and bedding; and
(ii) adequate sustenance; and
(iii) adequate toilet and sanitary arrangements; and
(iv) adequate ventilation and light; and
(v) a means of summoning aid; and
(f) the administration of any prescribed medications to the patient must not be unreasonably denied or delayed; and
(g) the patient must not be deprived of –
(i) physical aids, except as may be strictly necessary for the patient's safety or the preservation of those physical aids for the patient's future use; and
(ii) communication aids that the patient uses in communicating on a daily basis, except as may be strictly necessary for the patient's safety or the preservation of the communication aids for the patient's future use; and
(h) regardless of authorisation, the seclusion –
(i) must not exceed 6 hours; and
(ii) must not be maintained to the obvious detriment of the patient's mental or physical health.
(3) To avoid doubt, a forensic patient's seclusion is not taken to have been interrupted or terminated merely by reason of –
(b) the giving of any necessary treatment or general health care.
(4) Nothing in this section is to be taken as conferring any kind of authority for a forensic patient to be placed in seclusion as a means of punishment or for reasons of administrative or staff convenience.