Prison appeals for doctor

THE governor of Limerick prison has issued an urgent appeal to the HSE to restore much needed psychiatric services to inmates.

Forensic psychiatrist Dr Ananth Pullela, who looked after prisoners, has not been able to work since he was seriously wounded in an assault at St Anne’s day hospital near the prison last January.

A locum psychiatrist had been filling in for Dr Pullela up to last Friday, when he withdrew his services due to a heavy workload.

The failure by the HSE to replace Dr Pullela was another factor in the locum withdrawing his services.

Prisoners at risk of suicide now have no access to a psychiatrist.

Prison governor Tadgh O’Riordan, in a letter dated August 8, asked the HSE to continue much needed forensic psychiatric services at the prison.

He wrote: “Since the unfortunate incident when Dr Pullela was injured, the service has been continued by a psychiatrist and a nurse who, despite limited resources, provided an excellent service.”

Mr O’Riordan stated the service was now inadequate and failed to meet the complex mental health needs of prisoners.

It was originally planned that Dr Pullela would head a team of nine professionals but since January and up to Friday the forensic psychiatric service consisted of one psychiatrist and a nurse.

Due to Dr Pullela’s extended absence, staffing levels within the regional forensic mental health team are now deemed to be at a derisory level.