Jimmy Devins (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

In March 2005, my predecessor asked the Mental Health Commission to prepare a report on the circumstances surrounding the death of this person who died in the acute psychiatric unit of Cork University Hospital in October 2004. The report of the inspector of mental health hospitals, who is independent, was received in my Department in November 2006 and does not recommend a further independent review of this case. The unit is monitored on an ongoing basis and is subject to annual inspection by the Inspector of Mental Hospitals.

The Health Service Executive, which is responsible for the management and delivery of this service, has accepted the report's findings and has advised that the majority of the recommendations have been implemented. Risk management has been addressed, the ward environment has been reviewed and the female nursing office was moved to facilitate better patient observation. The ward layout has been assessed and a group has been established to consider the redesign of the unit. This year an additional sum of €125,000 was allocated to the south Lee area for multidisciplinary team enhancement.

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