Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 October 2022
210. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health the engagements that he has had with the Mental Health Commission on the inpatient acute psychiatric ward in Bantry Hospital in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50671/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Mental Health Act 2001, the Mental Health Commission (MHC) is required to inspect and regulate all approved centres across the country at least once a year. The Government values the independent role of the MHC, which is to promote high standards and good practice in mental health services.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Commission has made a decision to put a restriction on the registration of the Mental Health Care and Recovery Approved Centre in Bantry General Hospital, reducing its total number of registered beds from 18 to 11, due to their concern over the size of resident’s bedrooms. Since I was informed of the Commission’s decision, I have been liaising with the HSE to ensure all decisions and actions taken are made with the best interests of the residents in mind, both from a health and safety viewpoint and from the provision of appropriate high quality treatments and supports.
On 16 September 2022, I was advised by the HSE of their intention to appeal the MHC decision to put a restriction on the centre in Bantry. The Deputy will appreciate that as this is now a matter before the District Court, and in light of the independent role of the MHC, it would not be appropriate for me, as Minister, to become involved in individual cases involving the Commission.
On the broader front, I acknowledge that mental health services must evolve to ensure they are in line with international best practice and regulatory requirements. It is positive to note? that there has been an overall improvement in compliance among approved mental health centres nationally in recent years. However, I recognise that further improvements are required generally in our approve?d centres to meet appropriate regulatory requirements. The Government and the HSE are therefore fully committed to the delivery of high-quality, person-centred, recovery oriented mental health services. This needs to take account, as appropriate, of many factors including a balance between promoting high standards, operational requirements and identified service needs.
The Deputy can rest assured that I will continue to closely monitor, as appropriate, this issue.
