HSE says it is fully committed to closure of Limerick psychiatric hospital

THE Health Service Executive (HSE) has confirmed it is fully committed to the closure of St Joseph’s psychiatric hospital in Limerick.

The number of patients at the early 19th century-built hospital will be cut from 53, almost a year ago, to 27 within the coming weeks.

The HSE assurances came after the Mental Health Commission recommended the closure of the 186-year old.

In its chief recommendation arising from a re-inspection, the IMC said the hospital was “unsuitable for the purpose of providing care and treatment to residents and should close”.

The re-inspection took place following concerns over a lack of multi-disciplinary team care planning at the hospital; the number of residents not having up-to-date physical examinations and the lack of privacy around some bed areas.

The inspectors advised “an urgent review of medication should take place in all four wards in the hospital”.

General secretary of the Psychiatric Nurses Association Des Kavanagh said there was an agreement between the PNA and the HSE struck at the Labour Relations Commission for the hospital’s closure, dating back to 2002.

“It is unacceptable to our members that an old institution like this remains open. It is not good enough.”

He said: “Reports like this are bad for the morale of members. The HSE’s tardiness in closing down the hospital is very disappointing and very frustrating. Our members working at St Joseph’s believe they have been left behind and forgotten by the HSE.”

The HSE said the Limerick Mental Health Service achieved a planned discharge of 17 patients from the hospital in less than 12 months. A spokeswoman said: “This was achieved by transferring a number of these patients to high support hostels in the community and a small number to nursing home accommodation of their choice.

“As the patients in St. Joseph’s have lived in the hospital for most of their lives, it is imperative their discharge is managed comprehensively and sensitively. A further nine patients are currently planned for discharge in the coming weeks. This will reduce our inpatient numbers to 27.

“Due to the individualised discharge packages put in place for each patient our success to date has been very positive. All patients who are discharged continue to receive care and monitoring from the Community Mental Health services.”