Mental Health Commission 'repeatedly sought assurances' from HSE over Owenacurra closure

'We have repeatedly sought assurances from the registered proprietor that residents are being individually consulted to ensure their will and preferences regarding placement are upheld,' MHC spokesperson told Oireachtas committee

The HSE’s communication with the residents of Owenacurra, who have staunchly opposed the centre’s closure, has been repeatedly criticised by advocates as insufficient. Picture: Howard Crowdy

The Mental Health Commission (MHC) has said it “repeatedly sought assurances” from the HSE that residents of the Owenacurra mental health facility, which faces closure, were being “individually consulted” as to where they wished to move.

The Oireachtas health committee had recently written to the MHC asking what it had done to enforce a service plan for the long-term care for vulnerable residents of the Owenacurra centre in Midleton. Such a plan is part of the MHC’s statutory remit towards vulnerable patients.