MHC report finds high risk ratings and human rights breaches in three approved centres
An inspection report on Thursday 20 August 2019 from The Mental Health Commission (MHC) identified one critical and 20 areas of high risk non-compliance, and five breaches of human rights from three approved centres in Dublin, Wicklow and Kerry.
The three centres involved are as follows;
Sliabh Mis, Kerry University Hospital, County Kerry: a 34-bed acute psychiatric unit. No areas of compliance were rated as excellent and there was a decrease in compliance with regulations from 65% in 2018 and to 58% in 2019. There were seven high risk non-compliances related to premises; ordering, prescribing, storing and administration of medicines; staffing; risk management; consent to treatment; use of physical restraint; and admission of children.
The Ashlin Centre, Dublin: a purpose-built facility located in the grounds of Beaumont Hospital, comprising of two units and accommodating 46 residents at full capacity. The centre had six high risk ratings of non-compliance and five compliances with regulations were rated as excellent.
Avonmore & Glencree Units, Newcastle Hospital Greystones, Wicklow: the Glencree Ward, the acute admission unit, has capacity for 26 residents. Avonmore Ward provides continuing care and a long stay facility, with capacity for 26 residents. Seven non-compliances were rated as high risk, including a breach of Part 4 of the Mental Health Act 2001. Ten individual areas of compliance with regulations were rated excellent.
All three approved centres also had a number of best practice initiatives which are highlighted in the inspection reports. Sliabh Mis in Tralee had appointed an individual care plan champion who promoted best practice and has now been refurbished to a high standard; the Ashlin Centre in Dublin introduced a tobacco-free campus; and Avonmore in Greystones invited two representatives from the Wicklow mental health forum to join the centres operational forum.
Commenting on the reports, Dr Susan Finnerty, Inspector of Mental Health Services, said: “It is very disappointing when there is a decrease in compliance in approved centres despite all the efforts of staff and guidance provided by the Mental Health Commission. The three approved centres had a significant level of non-compliance and human rights breaches. The Commission strives to uphold and protect the human rights of persons receiving inpatient mental health services and the inspection team plays a key role in ensuring high standards of care and treatment are met.”
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