Psychiatric unit dangerous, says union

The Psychiatric Nurses’ Association (PNA) yesterday claimed conditions at a dedicated unit in Kerry General Hospital, where three male nurses were assaulted by a disturbed patient, are dangerous.

The nurses were treated at the Tralee hospital’s emergency department and went off duty following an incident on Friday at the acute psychiatric admissions unit.

Kerry PNA branch organiser Cormac Williams said a male patient became aggressive and the nurses were punched and thrown to the ground.

He confirmed the branch had since requested the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) to carry out a formal inspection of the unit.

“The current situation at the unit is unsafe and unsatisfactory. Staff are fearful for their safety and that of other patients,” he said.

Mr William said staff morale at the unit was now at an all-time low.

He also claimed a dedicated unit for disturbed patients, at St Finan’s Hospital, Killarney, should not have been closed until a new unit had been provided in Kerry General Hospital.

“This incident would not have occurred if a secure area was available within the hospital,” Mr Williams said.

The HSE, meanwhile, described the incident as “isolated”, adding the safety of staff and patients was of paramount importance.

It also said it was confident services were provided safely and monitored at all times to ensure the welfare and safety of staff.

The HSE pointed out a new, four-bed close observation unit was currently under construction at Kerry General Hospital and is due for completion by the end of this year.

Also, the HSE said the incident had been reported to the Occupational Health Department and its employee assistant programme was in place to support staff and their colleagues.