MHC finds eight high-risk ratings in two mental health centres, including in child seclusion issues
On Thursday 26th September 2019, we published two inspection reports from approved centres in Galway and Dublin, which identified eight areas of high risk non-compliance in two centres. One of these centres had a high-risk rating in the use of child seclusion. The dignity and safety of a child in seclusion is paramount, and the seclusion of children is a very serious issue.
The two approved centres involved are as follows;
CAMHS Mental Health In-patient Unit, Merlin Park University Hospital, Galway: is a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) in-patient unit providing care and treatment to young people from age 12 to 18. The centre had three high risk compliances in the areas of premises, staffing and the use of seclusion. Residents in seclusion did not have access to adequate toilet and washing facilities and seclusion facilities were not furnished, maintained, and cleaned to ensure respect for resident dignity and privacy. In 2019, compliance was 85%. There were 14 compliances with regulations rated as excellent.
Central Mental Hospital, Dundrum is part of the National Forensic Mental Health Service and at time of inspection was registered for 103 beds. The centre has made little improvement in compliance with regulations over the last three years and only one compliance was rated as excellent. The centre had five high risk non compliances in the areas of clothing, searches, privacy, premises and staffing.
The two approved centres had a number of best practice initiatives which are highlighted in the inspection reports. The CAMHS Mental Health In-patient Unit, Merlin Park University Hospital, Galway had introduced a clinical dietetic specialist to meet the increasing needs of residents with eating disorders. The Central Mental Hospital, Dundrum operated a range of recovery programmes; Introduction to Recovery, Get Up, Stand Up, Exploring Schizophrenia, Exploring Anxiety and Be Well Stay Well. Six patients had co-facilitated a workshop.
Mr. John Farrelly, Chief Executive Mental Health Commission, said “Secluding children, at any stage is an extremely serious issue. If this occurs rooms must be safe, clean and well ventilated to ensure the dignity and safety of the child”
Dr Susan Finnerty, Inspector of Mental Health Services, also added: “Securing funding to address old and outdated facilities is a pressing issue for some centres and prevents the approved centres from receiving compliance with regulations. The new buildings for the National Forensic Service is anticipated to bring about much improved living conditions for patients”.
We are still encountering premises, for mental health patients that are not providing basic hygiene, require a deep clean and are not maintained to a required standard. Every approved mental health facility should have a comprehensive and systematic approach to both these fundamental regulations which are of primary importance to the dignity of residents.
Our full statement is here.
