Closure of psychiatric unit ‘set in blood’

Patients of an acute psychiatric unit and their families have vowed to continue their campaign to keep the service open despite the Minister of State with Responsibility for Mental Health confirming its closure is “set in blood”.

Users of St Michael’s unit in Clonmel, Co Tipperary, and carers met Kathleen Lynch last week to plead with her to reverse last year’s decision to close the 49-bed ward by March 31.

However, Ms Lynch told the delegation of eight patients and carers that the decision is final and, according to those present, is “set in blood”. The delegation met last night to discuss their next move.