Cork mental health unit criticised for locking patients' bedrooms 12 hours a day

The ward in St Finbarr’s Hospital was found by the Mental Health Commission to be non-compliant in 10 areas altogether

Staffing, privacy, and therapeutic service issued were flagged as critical risks by the Mental Health Commission (MHC) in relation to St Catherine’s Ward, located on the grounds of St Finbarr’s Hospital on Douglas Road.

One of Cork's major mental health units has again been criticised by the commission overseeing care standards in the sector, with locked bedrooms throughout the day stripping patients of privacy and dignity just one example of failures noted.

Staffing, privacy, and therapeutic service issues were flagged as critical risks by the Mental Health Commission (MHC) in relation to St Catherine’s Ward, located on the grounds of St Finbarr’s Hospital on Douglas Road.