Health disputes - Psychiatric patients are the victims

It is unacceptable that more than 80 psychiatric patients have to endure archaic conditions because of rows between a plethora of unions and two health boards over pay, allowances and procedures.

Yesterday, a state-of-the-art acute psychiatric ward for 45 patients could not be formally opened in Kilkenny because of an argument with the South Eastern Health Board over staff pay, protocol and procedures.

In Limerick, 38 elderly psychiatric patients cannot be transferred from a former workhouse to more suitable conditions because of a row with the Mid-Western Health Board over a relocation allowance.