Closure of psychiatric unit ‘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.
A spokesperson for the junior minister said Ms Lynch “is not sure of the exact form of words she used but she was clear the decision is final and she wasn’t for turning from the issue”.
He didn’t rule out Ms Lynch using the “set in blood” phrase, “as part of a conversation, maybe”.
Mary Ryan, whose relative is an inpatient at St Michael’s, said she and others came away from the meeting “disappointed, upset and frustrated”.
She said that when asked by one of those present if the closure was set in stone, Ms Lynch replied: “No, it’s not set in stone — it’s set in blood.”
Any patient still occupying a bed in the unit by the end of March faces being transferred to Kilkenny.
Consultant psychiatrist Alan Moore, who resigned from St Michael’s in October, said Ms Lynch’s refusal to reconsider was “very disappointing but not surprising”.
