Shocking scenes as Psychiatric Department at ‘breaking point’
VULNERABLE LOCAL PATIENTS HAVING TO STAY IN MAKESHIFT BEDS ON CORRIDORS IN MAIN HOSPITAL FOR RESIDENTS SUFFERING FROM MENTAL ISSUES
Fianna Fáil councillor and General Election candidate for Wexford, Michael Sheehan, has called for an urgent investigation into shocking images taken in the psychiatric unit in University Hospital Waterford (UHW).
The images show makeshift beds in corridors with chairs pushed together and a person lying on the floor behind a privacy screen in the Department of Psychiatry.
Cllr Sheehan is calling on the Mental Health Commission to immediately visit University Hospital Waterford and carry out an inspection into the conditions in the psychiatric unit.
‘It is completely unacceptable that the most vulnerable of patients are being treated in this deplorable manner. The patients and staff deserve dignity, something which they are clearly not getting under these conditions.’
Cllr Sheehan said he was shocked to see the images which were sent to him by a New Ross resident who has been receiving treatment at the facility, describing them as most disturbing.
He said: ‘I’m asking HIQA to get involved and investigate this issue. This isn’t good enough – the Minister needs to explain this. HIQA should intervene here and set the record straight. Resources need to be deployed and the practice of improvised make shift beds and sleeping in corridors need to stopped immediately.’
He said: ‘I am asking the Minister to make a statement on the matter and have enlisted the help of FF Spokesman Stephen Donnelly to keep the pressure on for me and get the answers for the people of Wexford and Waterford.
Given our proximity and inclusion under the University Hospital Waterford catchment, this is a big issue for South Wexford and I want to be assured that patients who are admitted get the care they need. Not only that but the staff working in the unit should have the support they deserve.’
Cllr Sheehan said whatever resources are needed should be provided without delay.
‘The practice of people sleeping on the floor or on makeshift beds in a corridor needs to end immediately. Minister Harris has questions to answer as to why this is happening. He often says that money isn’t an issue when it comes to the health service so why is this allowed? I will be working with our party health spokesperson, Stephen Donnelly to keep the pressure on and get the answers for the people of Wexford and Waterford,’ concluded Cllr Sheehan.
A leading campaigner has warned politicians that patients were dying needlessly at University Hospital Waterford because of the failure to fund vital services. Chairperson of the South East Patient Advocacy Group Hilary O’Neill said: ‘It is time you faced these facts and took responsibility for your actions.’