A report to be published by the Mental Health Commission today is expected to criticise aspects of the care provided at the Central Mental Hospital in Dundrum. The commission is an independent statutory body that promotes high standards in mental health services.
It is understood the report of a committee of inquiry established by the commission will express concern about patients being kept in seclusion, the lack of facilities for women and the practice of locking patients in their rooms at night. It may also criticise the level of unfilled staff vacancies and restrictions on access to hospital grounds for patients.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) is expected to acknowledge some criticisms in the report, but will argue that improvements are under way. A spokesman for the HSE said last night that since the inquiry team visited the hospital, progress had been made in a number of areas.
The report is expected to express concern at the use of seclusion, although it is likely to point out that this practice has been reduced in recent years.
The report is also expected to argue that the unit for women patients is too small. The HSE is likely to maintain that there is a need for at least 14-21 secure beds for women and a requirement for a high support community step-down facility for women.
The report is also expected to criticise the practice of locking patients in their rooms overnight. The HSE is likely to agree and say additional resources will be required to end this practice.
