THE closure of Victorian-era psychiatric institutions has been official Government policy for more than 40 years, yet hundreds of mental health patients still remain in outdated, unsuitable buildings.

THE HSE is preparing to move the remaining 33 patients at Heatherside Hospital near Buttevant to a new community nursing home in Cork.

The Irish Nurses Organisation (INO) has urged hospital chiefs to hold a public meeting to address the concerns raised by a consultant in relation to the transfer of breast cancer services to the Cork University Hospital.