Bid to avert closure of 11 beds at child mental health unit

Talks will take place today between the HSE and the Psychiatric Nurses Association (PNA) in an effort to avert the closure of half the beds in the country’s newest inpatient unit for children with mental health disorders.

Linn Dara, a 22-bed unit in Cherry Orchard, Dublin, only open since December 2015, is due to close 11 beds by June 1 unless staffing issues can be resolved.

At the time of its opening, Anne O’Connor, national director, HSE Mental Health, said the unit would “enhance the provision of accessible and appropriate services for young people who are experiencing mental health difficulties and the families that support them”.