Man to picket psychiatric unit over wife’s treatment

A MAN who claims his wife’s mental state is a threat to her own and his safety is planning to mount a picket on the psychiatric unit that has refused to admit her.

The 53-year-old man, named as Joe, said he cannot cope with his wife Eileen’s behaviour and she is becoming increasingly aggressive as a result of her mental illness.

Joe, who moved from Monaghan to Bantry in west Cork in August, said he has been unable to get his wife committed to the psychiatric unit at Bantry General Hospital. In the meantime, Eileen is out of control, he says, and on Monday, travelled by bus to Bandon wearing her pyjama bottoms. She later collapsed in the Munster Arms Hotel in Bandon and was taken to the South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital in Cork city. “In Monaghan, they would take her into St Davnett’s psychiatric unit. Since she arrived in Bantry, they have refused to take her,” Joe said. He claims he had to call the gardaí on numerous occasions over the past two weeks for assistance and describes his wife as a “manic depressive”.

Joe says he can no longer cope: “I’m on my own. I’m all for community care if I can cope, but I can’t.”

A statement from the Health Service Executive said while it could not comment on individual cases, anyone referred or presenting to the psychiatric unit at Bantry General Hospital is offered a comprehensive multi-disciplinary mental health assessment. “If indeed a psychiatric illness is present and the person requires admission, this is offered,” the statement said.

“On the other hand if it is the professional opinion of the multi-disciplinary team that this person does not present with a severe psychiatric illness then in-patient treatment is not indicated.

“Nevertheless we do provide multi-disciplinary support in the community for people who experience psychological distress.”

The statement also said “every available support had been offered to Mr Daly” and that he had accepted an invitation by members of the multi-disciplinary team and the general manger “to discuss any issues he may have”.