Inspector: Psychiatric ward conditions appalling and custodial

CONDITIONS at a psychiatric ward in a Limerick city hospital were described as “appalling and custodial” in the Mental Health Commission’s annual report, published yesterday.

Eighty-two long-term residents live at St Martin’s Ward at St Joseph’s Hospital and their advocacy groups described the centre as “outdated” and “custodial”.

The report stated: “There was no reason for St Joseph’s to remain open and the HSE has been urged to move them to an acceptable level of care.”