But patients were less likely to be secluded.

Bendigo Health's use of seclusion in a mental health setting was below the statewide average, while use of physical restraint was slightly higher in this period, according to Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data.

People with mental illness and their carers have advocated against the use of such restrictive practices as anti-therapeutic and contravening human rights.

Read more: Not enough advocates in people's corner on mental health care

5.3 seclusion events took place at the Bendigo hospital for each 1000 bed days in 2018-2019, according to Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data. 10.5 instances of physical restraint took place.

No mechanical restraint was placed on patients in this period.

Seclusion is when a person is confined alone in a room or area where free exit is prevented. Restraint is when a person's freedom of movement is constrained by physical or mechanical means.

An average of 7.9 seclusion events took place in each Victorian public hospital for every 1000 bed days within the same period. An average of 9.4 instances of physical restraint and 1.2 instances of mechanical restraint took place.

Data for some hospitals was not published.

Read more: Trial to look ways to cut use of restrains, sedation in ER

A Bendigo Health spokesperson said the organisation worked very hard to support clinical practices to reduce restrictive intervention practices.

The organisation introduced a trial program in February called Safewards, to reduce the need for patients with mental health problems to be restrained or sedated.

The spokesperson said safety was paramount and restrictive interventions were a last resort. Staff instead use resources such as sensory modulation, activities, recovery conversations and support, the spokesperson said.

"We are achieving reduced rates with the commencement of roles within the service, including a reducing restrictive interventions co-coordinator, training and education and sustainability of the Safewards Model," the spokesperson said.

"Safewords is now not only used in all our mental health units but being piloted in our Emergency Department."

Read more: Support sought for mental health services

University of Melbourne Professor of Law Bernadette McSherry said it was gratifying to see rates of seclusion falling within Australia but the data about use of restraint was concerning.

She said research showed patients had adverse reactions to being restrained, and it breached human rights. But there were obvious concerns about health and safety for hospital staff, she said.

Professor McSherry said more emphasis needed to be placed on de-escalation techniques in mental health services, as well as resourcing and support for staff.

She said restraint carried the risk of physical injury to patients, but was also widely accepted as anti-therapeutic.

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