USERS OF a psychiatric unit earmarked for closure in March hope to convince the Minister responsible for mental health services to perform a late U-turn when they meet her tomorrow.
Minister of State Kathleen Lynch has previously upheld the Health Service Executive’s decision to close the 49-bed St Michael’s acute psychiatric unit in Clonmel and move the beds to hospitals in Ennis and Kilkenny.
With some in-patient beds already transferred, a deadline of March 31st has been set for the unit’s closure by the HSE, which says upgrading the facility would not represent value for money.
However, the move has been opposed by consultant psychiatrists, physicians and GPs who work with patients of St Michael’s and their families.
Following a number of public meetings in recent months, patients and their families are now set to meet Ms Lynch to argue their case for a reprieve.
The delegation will comprise eight patients and their carers. It will not include any politicians or clinicians who have previously met Ms Lynch to promote the case for St Michael’s. However, it is understood that supporters believe her wish to devote the meeting to “the people” rather than politicians or doctors is encouraging.
Those involved in the campaign did not want to comment in advance of the meeting, which takes place in Leinster House.
The committee has said that the most recent Mental Health Commission inspection of St Michael’s was “very positive” about the unit and paid tribute to the clinical work and various staff initiatives to improve the environment for patients and their relatives.
A survey of 60 local GPs on the closure of St Michael’s found that 57 felt it would have a negative impact on the mental health of patients who would have to travel to Ennis or Kilkenny in acute/emergency situations if there was no local unit.
Concern also exists that losing local psychiatric beds will affect South Tipperary General Hospital – located on the same campus – which can transfer patients from AE to St Michael’s when necessary.