Psych ward set to close despite concerns

The Psychiatric Nurses Association has raised concerns about further ward closures in St Finan’s Hospital, Killarney, Co Kerry before new replacement facilities for patients are provided.

Health Minister James Reilly had said there should be no further ward closures at the hospital until a €6m replacement unit was built.

However, the PNA yesterday claimed another ward was due to close by the end of September. “The Mental Health Commission (MHC) has told HSE South that they wish to see St Peter’s ward closed by that date,” a PNA spokesman said.