Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 October 2015
507. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if he will meet with service users of a facility and concerned persons in relation to the proposed closure of a facility (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34160/15]
View answerLantern Lodge is an Adult Mental Health Day Centre facility operated by the HSE in Killarney.
I understand that a recent Environmental Health Officer inspection report identified various deficiencies in the building environment, with particular reference to accessibility, lack of outdoor space, or otherwise not meeting certain standard requirements. A review commenced between the local Rehabilitation Team, and Kerry Mental Health Management Team (KMHMT), to address the various points raised in the EHO report, including both the current clinical needs of the service users along with future requirements for service users in the Killarney area generally, in line with A Vision for Change.
Current mental health policy in the area of Recovery emphasises a less isolated and more community integrated service model, thereby promoting independence where possible and ensuring that the service model does not de-skill service users by fostering over-dependency. The decision to move from the current premises has been made in the best long-term interests of service users and staff. In this context, in order to move from the current model of care to a more independent recovery orientated service, the Rehabilitation Team are currently devising a number of initiatives to assist service users to reach optimal recovery. As part of this relocation of services, users will receive required intervention, based on assessed needs in the most appropriate setting.
The needs of all service users, as identified in Care Planning assessments, will continue to be addressed by the Rehabilitation Team. These care needs will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis, to ensure that any change in service delivery does not result in reduced ability to meet identified needs. Therefore, the Team will strive to enhance the well-being of all clients, including their integration into the greater community.
Bearing in mind all the circumstances, I am satisfied that the HSE is properly undertaking in this case its statutory responsibility to plan and delivery services at a local level. I have been aware of this particular issue for some time, and the Deputy can rest assured that I will keep this under regular review and take whatever action is necessary to ensure that the best interests of service users are kept to the fore.
