James Browne
Ceist:445. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health if the staffing shortage at the Linn Dara, Cherry Orchard, Dublin 10, unit inpatient facilities has been addressed. [41915/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 3 October 2017
Ceisteanna (445)
Freagraí scríofa
Around late May/early June last, due to staffing difficulties, some beds in Linn Dara could not take new admissions. This, unfortunately, left Linn Dara with just half of its 22-bed complement operational. For those discharged for clinical reasons, the HSE provided where deemed necessary dedicated follow-on supports from the community-based CAMHS service. The Executive also made available the CAMHS Day Service, as appropriate in individual cases, to enhance supports for young people and their families. The recent operational difficulties that faced Linn Dara arose from problems in recruiting and retaining mental health professionals. Staffing cover had, for example, to be augmented through methods such as staff working additional hours, overtime, and engaging agency staff. Funding availability is not the issue in this case.
The HSE has been exploring every option to resume normal operational levels at Linn Dara, and to maximise the use of the facility in the future. It has intensified its efforts on recruitment, and a number of staff have been identified to join this service. A phased re-opening of beds in Linn Dara is planned for week beginning 30 October next, with a graduated increase in bed capacity. The HSE aim to be back at full capacity of 22 beds by mid-November. This approach is similar to that taken when the unit increased bed capacity originally. The HSE is required to provide advance notification to the Mental Health Commission of its re-opening plan.
There are currently 60 CAMHS beds operational nationally. This is up from 48 in early summer and will increase further once Linn Dara resumes its full capacity of 22. There are currently 20 operational beds in both Cork and in Galway, eight in Fairview and 12 in Linn Dara. The Deputy may rest assured that all efforts will continue to be made to address ongoing service difficulties at Linn Dara, with a view to reopening beds as quickly as possible.