Mental Health Commission finds 100% compliance in three inpatient centres

The Mental Health Commission (MHC) has this morning published inspection reports on three inpatient centres located in Tipperary, Galway and Dublin, all of which have achieved a 100% overall compliance rate.

The Inspector of Mental Health Services, Dr Susan Finnerty, said it is very encouraging that all three centres were fully compliant, and it was particularly noteworthy that two of the centres have maintained an exemplary record for a number of years now.

“This is the third year in succession that both Haywood Lodge in Tipperary and Willow Grove Adolescent Unit – which is part of the St Patricks Mental Health Services in Dublin - have received a 100% compliance rating during their annual inspections. The third centre that achieved 100% compliance for the first time was the Creagh Suite, which is located in Ballinasloe, Co. Galway. This is a credit to the management and staff at the centre and reflects the standard of facilities and care they provide to service users.”

The Chief Executive of the Mental Health Commission, John Farrelly, praised the three centres in question for their consistent and exceptional rates of compliance, and added that: “These centres are an example to other approved centres that high compliance ratings can be achieved year-on-year if the correct protocols and procedures are put in place and implemented efficiently and effectively”.

Overall compliance at Willow Grove Adolescent Unit in Dublin remained at 100% from the 2021 inspection. The centre is a 14-bed dedicated standalone unit located within the grounds of St. Patrick’s Hospital. The unit operates independently of the adult service and provides treatment to young people aged from 12 to 17 years from all over Ireland. All bedrooms in the unit are single and include en suite and shower facilities. It provides therapeutic services which include counselling and clinical psychology, occupational therapy, family therapy and social work. There are adequate communal areas and residents had access to an adjacent gym and outdoor recreational facilities. There is also a school attached to the unit. At the time of the inspection, there were eight inpatients.

Haywood Lodge is located on the outskirts of Clonmel town and can cater for a total of 40 residents. Although primarily built as a community residential facility, it has served as a mental health facility since 2012. The centre is divided into two units: East House and West House. East House is for residents generally over 65 years of age. The West House is a dedicated rehabilitation and recovery unit, primarily accommodating residents with enduring mental illness, and has strong links with the community services in Clonmel town.

Haywood Lodge achieved 100% compliance for the third consecutive year. It also demonstrated a strong emphasis on person-centred care and treatment. It was noted that staff have worked hard to maintain a high-quality service.

The Creagh Suite is located on the grounds of St Brigid’s Campus in Ballinasloe and is registered for 14 beds. Most residents have been referred to the centre for the management and care of more complex mental health needs, as well as dementia. While it is an older style building, it is clean and airy and had been developed to cater for the specific needs of an elderly population. The corridors are painted in a streetscape style, and the colour schemes and soft furnishings are conducive to a relaxing environment. Bedrooms are personalised and include family photographs, resident belongings and memorabilia.

The Creagh Suite achieved 100% compliance with regulations, rules and codes of practice.

There were no conditions attached to the registration of any of the three centres at the time of inspection and no escalation or enforcement actions.

You can read our full statement here.

Willow Grove Adolescent Unit Annual Inspection Report 2022

Haywood Lodge Annual Inspection Report 2022

Creagh Suite Annual Inspection Report 2022