Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue for discussion. I am taking the matter on behalf of the Minister for Health.

Tuam mental health service caters for the Tuam and Headford catchment areas, with a population of approximately 35,000 and a caseload in excess of 800 people. Traditionally, the service was provided at St. Brigid's Hospital in east Galway but gradually during the years community mental health services in Tuam and Headford have been developed. A report on fire safety in Toghermore House was delivered to the HSE in December 2012. It highlighted a number of shortfalls in fire safety which needed to be addressed as a priority. The assessment focused on relevant issues, including means of escape and associated signage and plans; structural fire precautions and fire equipment; coverage provided by fire alarm and emergency lighting systems; and facilities for the fire service.

A local steering group consisting of a mental health clinical director, a consultant psychiatrist, a director of nursing, an occupational therapy manager, a business manager, a team leader social worker and a patient representative was formed by the HSE and met to address the challenges outlined in the report. The steering group is liaising with residents and their families as part of the process. HSE West has implemented improved fire risk assessment and hazard identification measures. All staff and patients have been informed that appropriate actions have been taken such as a complete ban on smoking in and around the residence structure and improved observations in all areas. To mitigate immediate risks, the HSE is installing a fire alarm system and continues to have hourly fire checks. Preparatory work for the fire alarm system has now been completed and the work is being carried out with minimum disruption to the daily routine of residents.

The executive is commissioning a full review of all 24 hour residential facilities in counties Galway and Roscommon. The outcome of this review will assist in its determination of future requirements for mental health services in these geographic areas. The membership of an expert group to oversee this review is being finalised by the area manager and the executive clinical director. It is expected that the review will be completed within a 12 week period from the date of commission. It should be noted that no other mental health services in the Tuam complex or surrounding areas are affected by the fire safety issue. These facilities include the day hospital, day centre, training centre and workshop, primary care, CAMHS and out-patient and psychiatry of later life services, which continue to operate as normal. The Deputy can rest assured that the responsible Ministers will continue to closely monitor developments on this issue.

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