Nurses call for Dáil inquiry into ‘disastrous’ new psychiatric unit

NURSES are calling on a Dáil committee to investigate a “disastrous” new psychiatric unit, which they say will cost taxpayers about €750,000 to rectify.

The Psychiatric Nurses Association (PNA) is refusing to operate the Acute Psychiatric Unit at James Connolly Memorial Hospital, Dublin, saying it poses dangers to patients and staff.

PNA general secretary Des Kavanagh will tell the association's annual conference today: "It is no exaggeration to describe this unit as a disaster, to say it is the worst ever provided to the psychiatric services, to declare that it is unsafe for staff, compromises patient care and raises the distinct possibility that patients will refuse to go there." He will call on the Dáil Public Accounts Committee to investigate the building of the unit and the people responsible.

Patients from Dublin's St Brendan's Psychiatric Hospital are supposed to be sent to the new unit. Ned Larkin, branch secretary at St Brendan's, said the new unit's Green Room (otherwise known as a padded cell) was not suitable for acutely disturbed patients who might injure themselves.

"Nothing should be in a Green Room that would present danger, but the padding in this room offers no protection. If a patient bangs his fist or head he could injure himself and break bones," said Mr Larkin.

"The ceiling is also too low and the light fitting is accessible, so they could electrocute themselves." Mr Larkin said the six High Observation, or seclusion, rooms, were not suitable either for acute patients. "One of the walls in each of the rooms is a window, which is lunacy. A patient could stick his head out the window. He could break the glass and cut himself.

"The light fitting is again accessible and that is covered with glass. He could use the glass to damage himself or staff. There are also electric sockets in there." The facilities in the unit TV room, recreation room, visiting room, dining room were cramped and could not cater for the number of patients. "We've a situation where there is a brand new unit that can't be utilised. It is not safe for acutely disturbed psychiatric patients. We're refusing to operate it."

He said discussions had been held with the Northern Area Health Board. "They've acknowledges our difficulties, but are constrained by budget from doing the necessary improvements, which would cost €750,000." A spokesperson for the NAHB said it was working in partnership with staff and staff associations in relation to all aspects of the move to the new hospital.

"Our board accepts that certain design adjustments are required before commissioning of the new Psychiatric Unit takes place.

"A snag list has been drawn up and a programme of works is being prepared in consultation with nursing management and their staff representatives in relation to concerns about design issues and the new Psychiatric Unit," said the spokesperson.