Over 800 patients in ‘outdated’ psychiatric facilities

MORE than 800 mental health patients are still housed in psychiatric hospitals labelled as “Dickensian deplorable and appalling” despite repeated Government promises to shut them down.

Documents released to the Irish Examiner under the Freedom of Information Act reveal that some patients have been locked away for over 10 years, with many others needing intensive care for the rest of their lives. The documents also reveal concerns from healthcare professionals that “significant” capital investment is needed in several regions to move people with complex needs into more suitable facilities.

Last January, Minister for Mental Health John Moloney announced “closure plans” had been developed for 13 of the 19 remaining hospitals, branded “outmoded, outdated and grossly unsuitable” in a 2008 report.