Replacing lost acute mental health beds 'will prolong suffering', says GP

The number of beds Bantry General Hospital’s mental health unit has fallen to 15, a loss of three beds at the facility.

Safety concerns were expressed about Bantry General Hospital’s mental health unit. Picture: Denis Minihane.

Every bed lost in an acute mental health unit will just add to the “trauma, turmoil, and suffering” of those who need them, a GP has warned.

Dr Paul O’Sullivan was speaking after it was announced that one of the hospitals in his catchment area is to cut the number of available beds.