19 high-risk non-compliances found in Mental Health Commission inspections

Two high-risk non-compliances were identified at the Department of Psychiatry, Roscommon University Hospital; four high-risk non-compliances at O’Casey Rooms, Fairview Community Unit, Dublin; ten high-risk non-compliances at the Department of Psychiatry, Letterkenny University Hospital; and three high-risk non-compliances at the Ashlin Centre, Dublin.

Commenting on the reports, Dr Susan Finnerty, Inspector of Mental Health Services, said: “In three out of four of the reports published today we have seen some improvements in compliance with regulations, rules and codes of practice. In particular, the Department of Psychiatry in Roscommon has shown significant improvement and this reflects the amount of work done by the service to improve quality.

“However, the case remains that there is a lot of work to do to bring services up to full compliance. There were a number of non-compliances rated as high risk in all approved centres, particularly in the Department of Psychiatry in Letterkenny, that require urgent attention by the services. We will be focusing on these areas in the 2019 inspections.”

Mr John Farrelly, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Commission, said: “I welcome the publication of the Inspectors reports on these centres. This approach creates an openness and transparency around both the strengths and weaknesses of the services. The Commission will monitor each centre’s implementation and action plans to ensure compliance with the law.”