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Hospital Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 January 2021

Thursday, 21 January 2021

Questions (373)

Alan Kelly

Question:

373. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health his views on whether the Minister of State, Deputy Butler's statement when she met local mental health groups in Clonmel, County Tipperary in August 2020, that the department of psychiatry, St. Luke's hospital, Kilkenny, was delivering an impeccable service with facilities and procedures of an incredibly high standard after recent investment was compromised by the publication of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment report 2020. [3148/21]

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Written answers

I am aware, from various sources, of the high standard of care provided at the Department of Psychiatry, St. Luke’s, Kilkenny. These sources include Mental Health Commission reports and the recent report of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment (CPT) on its visit to Ireland in late 2019.

The Mental Health Commission's report for 2019 for this facility indicates that there has been a significant improvement in compliance with regulations, rules and codes of practice from 46% in 2017, 51% in 2018 to 73% in 2019. This reflects the considerable efforts by staff and HSE management to improve the quality of services delivered. I understand that the DOP in Kilkenny achieved a compliance rate of 94% in 2020, and that the MHC will publish a detailed report on this in the near future.

My view on this facility was also borne out by my visit in recent months to the Department of Psychiatry.

The CPT 2020 report, published subsequent to the visit by the Committee, highlighted the high quality of care given overall at the Department of Psychiatry and has not resulted in any change to my view. I have asked the HSE to reply direct to the Deputy in relation to issues contained in the CPT report regarding this facility.

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