The HSE has engaged with 6 independent providers for the provision of additional capacity into the mental health sector. This additional capacity includes the purchase of acute beds as well as longer term care beds in order to free up capacity in the statutory sector. A total of €13.65 million has been allocated to purchasing the additional capacity in 2021.
Following a specific procurement process, 5 additional Mental Health Intellectual Disability beds and 10 additional Specialised Rehabilitation Unit beds will shortly be available to the HSE. The HSE is also negotiating additional capacity with a partner housing agency for the purchase of 8 step-down beds designed to meet the needs of individuals moving from a Specialised Rehabilitation Unit or other service.
The HSE is working with an existing provider to deliver 3-5 additional beds for individuals with very high needs requiring long term care, a number of whom are subject to court orders.
Current arrangements for beds in private hospitals continue, as does the purchase of beds for COVID-19 or other clinical reasons, as required.
A specialist group reporting to the Sharing the Vision National Monitoring and Implementation Committee is also being established to review mental health services bed capacity.
The Deputy can rest assured that I will continue to keep this matter under close review, in conjunction with the HSE.