€1m spent on security for psychiatric patient

THE bill to provide 24-hour security for one male patient at the acute psychiatric unit at Ennis General Hospital has exceeded €1 million.

Since July 2008, the Health Service Executive (HSE) has been spending €1,000 per day in providing security for the Ennis man.

In the two and a half years to the end of December last, the HSE had spent €908,000 and the spend has now exceeded the €1 million mark.

Last year, the HSE last year spent €366,625 on the 24-hour security and this followed a spend of €378,175 in 2009 and €163,247 in 2008.

The 37-year-old Ennis man, who suffers from a mental disorder, has been at the acute psychiatric unit since July 2008.

The man was the victim of an assault in 1999 when he suffered a serious brain trauma.

Ennis District Court was told that this causes disturbances in mood, will, understanding and changes in understanding of societal norms.

The general secretary of the Psychiatric Nurses Association, Des Kavanagh said: “This money is being spent because of the HSE’s failure to put in place a proper secure unit for the west of Ireland. There is no sign of the HSE doing anything about it.”

HSE West Forum member Cllr Brian Meaney said: “It is a significant cost and I would also be very concerned for the quality of life for the individual concerned.

“There should be proper facilities in place because this level of security is tantamount to condemning the man to a prison sentence in unsuitable accommodation.”