In light of significant commitments, the Mental Health Commission withdraws legal proceedings against Cork HSE centre

The Mental Health Commission (MHC) appeared before the district court in Cork City in relation to proceedings issued against the Health Service Executive (HSE). As noted in court, the case concerned the breach of a condition attached to the registration of the centre.

In light of significant commitments given by the HSE the MHC withdrew their case this week against the approved centre St Stephen’s Hospital in Glanmire, Co. Cork. 

The Chief Executive of the Mental Health Commission, John Farrelly said: “While we are disappointed to have to take a legal case against an approved centre we have, in this instance agreed to withdraw the legal proceedings against the HSE only because we have received sufficient reassurances and commitments from them that addresses the issues at hand.

The MHC outlined

The HSE has agreed to implement increased oversight and governance in relation to adherence to the conditions attached to St Stephens and have taken steps to put this in place.

The HSE has agreed to the unlocking of Unit 3 and the introduction of the keypad which will allow residents freedom of movement. 

The HSE has committed to include St Stephens in the Capital Plan for the build of a 50-bed mental health unit and facilities with €100,000 allocated to this initiative.  

Finally, the HSE have agreed to undertake an independent multidisciplinary review of the needs and transfer of patient that was at the heart of the legal challenge.

The MHC welcome the commitments from the HSE to address our concerns and will closely monitor their progress and implementation.

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