The Mental Health Commission (MHC) has withdrawn a legal case against Cork University Hospital over what the watchdog said was an “unprecedented” level of critical noncompliance at an adult mental health unit.
The Irish Times reported last March how commission was issuing legal proceedings following the findings of an inspection in April 2024.
The CUH unit was deemed to be critically non-compliant in eight areas, which the inspector said was “unprecedented”.
The unit was found to be compliant with 61 per cent of regulations, however. This was above the 58 per cent compliance noted in 2023.
RM Block
A noncompliance that receives a critical risk rating means that there is a high likelihood of continued noncompliance and a high impact on the safety, rights, health or wellbeing of residents.
An MHC inspection report said the inspector was “not assured that minimum standards of safe, effective, high-quality, person-centred care and treatment were being provided in the approved centre”.
The watchdog also said the 50-bed centre was in breach of a condition of registration, namely an order to submit a quality improvement plan to the commission.
It is an offence to breach a condition of registration, with the commission describing the situation as “deeply concerning”.
But in a statement on Tuesday, the MHC said it has withdrawn its case following “significant action” by the HSE over the last six months.
In response to MHC enforcement action, the HSE has agreed to implement several measures including increased oversight and governance in relation to adherence to the rules and regulations under the Mental Health Acts.
During the latest annual inspection, which took place from October 14th to 20th, the commission found evidence the HSE had initiated extensive improvement plans and remedial actions to address areas of risk and noncompliance, the MHC said.
No critical findings were identified at the centre during the 2025 annual inspection.
“The Mental Health Commission acknowledges the commitments from the HSE to address the serious concerns raised and we will closely monitor their ongoing progress and the implementation of the remaining plans,” MHC chief executive John Farrelly said.
In a statement at the time of the 2024 inspection report, HSE South West said it was “committed to delivering the highest possible standards of care for patients”.
“We take the observations contained in the reports seriously and are actively working with the Mental Health Commission in progressing corrective action plans to ensure all requirements are met,” it said at the time.
