A REPORT INTO mental health services in Ireland has revealed a lack of appropriately trained nurses, children being kept in unsuitable conditions, and wards “not suitable for residents”.
Most hospitals were found to be largely compliant with regulations set out in 2001 legislation.
However, a litany of errors were highlighted.
The latest set of inspection reports from the Mental Health Commission describe the structure of a ward in St Joseph’s Hospital in Limerick as “not suitable for residents” and highlighted issues around privacy.
However, it was praised on individual care plans set out for patients.
“Therapeutic services”
“The range of therapeutic services and programmes was impressive,” the report detailed.
Inspectors found that due to difficulties in accessing a child and adolescent mental health service in-patient unit at Eist Linn in Cork, children were instead being admitted to Department of Psychiatry in Waterford.
This resulted in children being kept in an adult in-patient unit, in contradiction of government legislation.
Staff shortages
Although several staff shortages were brought to the attention of authorities, such as at Cois Mara at Spanish Point were there was just one appropriately trained nurse despite ‘all residents having an intellectual disability’, an adequately staffed unit at Letterkenny General Hospital was criticised for their lack of engagement with patients.
“Although all sector teams were now reported to be adequately staffed with health and social care professionals, from examination of the clinical files,” the report reads, “there was very little documentary evidence of involvement by these health and social care professionals in the care of residents.”
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