Deaths after rehab closed raised in Dáil
THE deaths of two vulnerable people after a drug rehabilitation centre was closed should be investigated, the Dáil has heard.
The Irish Daily Mail revealed last week that two clients of the Keltoi rehab centre in Dublin’s Phoenix Park died weeks after the facility was shut and aftercare was dramatically reduced.
This newspaper also revealed that despite being closed in response to the Covid-19 crisis – against clinical advice – the facility currently lies empty. This is despite plans submitted to senior management on how to reopen it for clients.
An expert committee of addiction specialists was effectively shut down by senior HSE managers days after the committee warned that people would die if the drug rehab was closed.
In the Dáil yesterday, Sinn Féin health spokeswoman
‘Undertaking a review’
Louise O’Reilly called on Health Minister Simon Harris to investigate.
She said: ‘Will the minister commit to investigating the deaths which occurred following service users being discharged from Keltoi with little or no support?
‘Will the minister look into the concerns raised in writing by clinicians directly with HSE management regarding the risks associated with the closure of this vital support service? Can the minister confirm that this facility will be reopened?’
Minister Harris said that he has been following issues raised at Keltoi since the Mail began publishing stories on the facility. He said he understands that the HSE is reviewing the treatment provided to the two deceased people and said that the service would reopen, in line with all addiction and residential programmes when it is safe to do so. Mr Harris said: ‘I cannot comment specifically on the two deaths but in speaking about the Keltoi rehabilitation unit in general I am aware that the service was repurposed to provide self-isolation facilities for vulnerable groups during the Covid-19 pandemic…
‘I am informed that everyone in the unit had completed their residential programme prior to the repurposing of the facility and that aftercare supports were subsequently provided to clients, including health and social supports and consultant psychiatrist support, as required. I understand the HSE is undertaking a review of the treatment and support to two individuals. I will absolutely consider this once completed and we will decide if further action is needed.’
A HSE spokesman claimed the centre was currently ‘being sanitised in preparation for new admissions’.
In May, the Clinical Quality and Safety Committee (CQSC) – made up of 18 clinical addiction specialists – raised concerns about Keltoi being shut. Later the committee was told that their meetings were to cease. Yesterday, the day the Maill reported that the committee had been effectively shut down, members of the CQSC were informed that their committee meetings would resume.