Mental health body gets hospital closure plans

PLANS to close a Victorian-era psychiatric hospital in Killarney, which has been earmarked for closure for more than 10 years, have finally been received by the Mental Health Commission (MHC).

As highlighted in the Irish Examiner’s recent special investigation on mental health services, patients are still being transferred from Tralee’s psychiatric unit to the old hospital, despite the MHC calling it unfit for purpose in its inspection reports.

Currently about 20 elderly patients live full-time in a sprawling, dilapidated building.

A spokesperson for the MHC said it intends to meet representatives from the hospital in the coming weeks to discuss matters.

Closure plans have previously been talked about in relation to St Finan’s, but it has not materialised.

Kerry Mental Health Services had plans for new units to replace St Finan’s Hospital. These included the building of a 25-bed continuing care and challenging behaviour unit for older persons with mental health problems, a 15-bed intensive care rehabilitation unit, and a 10-bed community residence for remaining residents.

But although the service had developed design briefs for the alternative accommodation, it was dependent on approval for funding which never came.

A unit built by the Kerry Mental Health Association, also on the hospital grounds, has been idle for two years due to lack of funding.

Last year’s inspection report by the MHC stated: “It can only be described as frustrating that there has been no advance, in any shape or form, with any of these developments due to the lack of capital funding. Inside this building, there are wards where people are sleeping in rows of beds in long dormitories with no privacy, inadequate washing and toilet facilities, and stark surroundings.

“The inspectorate was also informed that the hospital was difficult to heat in winter. Staff were frank, open and honest about their feelings when speaking to the inspectorate about the failure of the commencement of the proposed future development.

“They felt that they, and the residents, were voices unheard. Staff at all levels presented as frustrated, disenchanted and upset at the living conditions of the residents in their care and of the working conditions they had to face each day.”