Mental Health Commission reports have highlighted a number of high-risk practices taking place in psychiatric units in Kilkenny, Cavan and Dublin.
The adult psychiatric unit of St Luke’s hospital in Kilkenny was deemed to be non-compliant for 8 out of 13 criteria inspected during an unannounced visit by the commission between November 24th and 26th last year.
Particular concerns were noted about the admission of children to the 44-bed adult unit.
An inspector noted that nine children had been admitted to the unit since the last visit in 2014 despite the centre not having clearance to accommodate minors.
Children were kept in single rooms separate from adult patients in larger wards, but the inspector said there was no evidence of Children First training or any other relevant training for staff.
It was found that the unit operated a policy of admission for children, who were then transferred to appropriate facilities at the first available opportunity.
St Luke’s was also censured for unclean shower facilities which contained mould and had tiles missing.
Personal information
Data protection issues were identified in relation to the psychiatric unit of Cavan General Hospital after it was noted that files of discharged patients containing personal information were kept in an unlocked room off a corridor.
The files contained information on diagnoses and treatment plans for former patients, and despite the breach being immediately corrected when it was brought to the attention of staff at the centre the room was again found to be unlocked at the end of the three-day inspection in December.
Clinical files for current residents were secured in a filing cabinet in a locked office.
Elsewhere, the Vergemount Mental Health Services in Clonskeagh Hospital received a high-risk rating for premises and health and safety due to it having only one shower between 25 residents and toilets in varying states of disrepair.
Inspectors said the toilet facilities for Le Brun House and Whitethorn House at the hospital were in “poor condition” at the time of their visit last November.
There was no soap or towels available for residents, one toilet was without toilet roll, and two others had either missing or broken seats.
The number of showers was deemed to be “completely inadequate”, but the centre was said to be clean and well-lit generally apart from the toilets.
The Lakeview Unit at Naas General Hospital also came in for criticism due to its seclusion practices. Security staff were required to restrain patients in some incidents, which runs contrary to best practice guidelines.