HSE criticised for admitting 21 children to adult acute psychiatric unit

The HSE has been criticised for admitting 21 children to an adult acute psychiatric unit where more than half the staff did not have up-to-date training in Children First, the national guidance for safeguarding children.

The high volume of child admissions to the unit at the Midlands Regional Hospital in Portlaoise occurred between June 2014 and December 2015, contrary to the code of practice relating to the admission of children under mental health legislation.

A report published last month by the Mental Health Commission found that nine children had been admitted to the Department of Psychiatry at St Luke’s Hospital between March 2014 and November 2015.