New 50 bed in-patient facility at CUH will better meet the needs of mental health patients – Collins

Speaking following the sod turning ceremony of a new 50-bed acute adult mental health in-patient unit on the Cork University Hospital (CUH) campus, Fine Gael Cork North West Deputy, Áine Collins, said it is crucial that those seeking mental health treatment are cared for in facilities, such as this one, that are fit for purpose.

“The development of this new €15 million unit at CUH, will replace the existing 46 bed unit. It will have an increased number of single rooms and therapy rooms, allowing for those who are receiving treatment or assessment to do so in a more private setting.

“Two 18-bed wards will be provided, all of which will be single and en-suite, a six-bed assessment/high observation ward will also be included, as will an older person eight-bed ward, which will also incorporate single rooms. The facility will also be able to provide services for mothers and infants in conjunction with other services on campus.

“This facility is being developed in line with the recommendations of A Vision for Change and is being hailed as a milestone in the development of mental health services. Mental health issues affect a huge number of people throughout the country, taking no heed of race, religion, financial status, age or gender. We are slowly lifting the stigma that has been attached to mental health issues for years by letting people know that it’s ok not to be ok and that help is available.

“In the last two Budgets an allocation of €35 million has been made for the continued development of our mental health services. The HSE National Service Plan 2013 commits to the recruitment of 477 additional staff to further develop community mental health teams for adults, children, older persons and mental health intellectual disability and recruitment is underway to fill these posts.

“This new purpose built facility will provide enhanced accommodation for patients and aims to meet the needs of a range of different demographic groups, including older people. It is expected that the project will be completed within 18 months. I look forward to seeing it up and running and to the difference it will make to those who are seeking to deal with mental health issues and get their lives back on track.”

Ends