Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 September 2021
662. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Owenacurra mental health facility, Midleton, County Cork is to close by October 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43556/21]
View answerI have been liaising with the HSE regularly on this very important matter since it was announced. I am assured by the HSE in the context of the closure of the Centre that the needs and preferences of each resident are of paramount importance.
On 28 June, the HSE notified the Department of Health that the HSE’s Cork Kerry Community Healthcare Organisation had taken the difficult decision to close the Owenacurra Centre in Midleton as the building is not fit for purpose.
Owenacurra is a long-term residential centre with 19 residents but also accommodates a mental health day service.
The Mental Health Commission (MHC), as regulator, had raised serious concerns about the centre, and the HSE shares those concerns. HSE Estates confirmed that the building is in very poor condition, with major defects and is not fit for purpose. It was originally planned to refurbish the building but as work progressed on those plans it became clear that no matter what refurbishment takes place, the building could not meet either building or Commission standards. The HSE’s priority is the welfare of the 19 residents of the centre.
The relocation process is progressing. I have been informed by the HSE that all of the residents have had their needs assessed so that they can be appropriately placed in accordance with their assessed needs and I understand meetings with the multi-disciplinary team (MDT) to discuss options and the residents’ wishes (with family, where consent is provided) are ongoing. It is planned to complete the programme of meetings this week .
The MDT continues to have ongoing discussions with all residents and a key contact lead is available as a facilitator for residents, families and the team. Social work input has been increased, including support from a housing co-ordinator, and increased consultant input is also available.
A member from the independent Irish Advocacy Network (IAN) is part of the project steering group in addition to a Mental Health Service User Family Member & Carer Engagement representative, to ensure the residents and families continue to have independent supports available throughout the process.
The process of engagement with the staff is also being progressed. Arrangements will be informed by the terms of the Public Service Stability Agreements ‘Building Momentum (2021-2022)’ and underpinned by the nationally agreed Redeployment Protocol. The future of the entire site will be considered at a later stage.
The HSE are reviewing what healthcare services are required in the Cork/Kerry area and if this site is suitable for the delivery of any of these services.
A suspended mental health day service is also located within the building. Work is underway to identify an alternative location for this service, as close as possible to the current location.
The Department and the HSE will continue to work with the MHC to ensure that quality and standards in our mental health facilities continue to be improved in line with best practice and recommendations.
