‘Zero tolerance’ with drug-using patients at Mater

One of the country’s leading psychiatrists said the Mater Hospital has a “zero tolerance” approach when it comes to illicit drug use at its psychiatric wing — staff immediately kick the offender out.

Dr Patricia Casey said drug dealing is “a very regular problem” in the hospital, that has lead to increased security on the psychiatric ward.

Her comments come after patients at psychiatric units at Mayo General and the Mid Western Regional Hospital in Ennis lodged complaints with management about cannabis being openly smoked at the units. At Mayo General, a patient complained that cocaine was also being brought into the ward for use by patients.