The HSE has responded to a statement from a Sligo/Leitrim Dail Deputy in which he described conditions at a unit in St John’s Hospital in Sligo last November as ‘shameful.’
Sinn Fein Deputy Martin Kenny was commenting after the Mental Health Commission published the final Inspection Report for the Rehabilitation and Recovery Unit at St John’s campus a week ago.
In a response yesterday afternoon to a query from Ocean FM News, the HSE points out that the Mental Health Commission’s report covers, what’s described as, the corrective and preventative actions submitted by Sligo Leitrim Mental Health Services.
These actions detail how the issues raised by the Commission about the unit in St John’s are being dealt with.
The HSE says these submissions have been accepted by the Commission.
The submissions cover a variety of areas, such as access to recreational activities, care plans, and access to therapeutic services and programmes.
They also deal with maintenance of the premises in good structural and decorative condition, adequate light, heating and ventilation and recording of temperatures for the fridge storage of medication.
They include measures to be taken in relation to use of the generic names for medications on prescriptions, documentation on crushing of medication, the number and skill mix of staff, staff training, and maintenance of clinical records.
The submissions cover policy arrangements for the protection of children and vulnerable adults from abuse, as well as arrangements for response to emergencies and issues in relation to use of a mechanical restraint.
The HSE adds that the Services are reviewing implementation of actions on a weekly basis and report to a Quality and Risk Group on a monthly basis, as well as updating the Mental Health Commission.
