David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I, too, have a copy of the Mental Health Commission's leaked report which considers a number of options, one of which is to deregister the entire unit at University Hospital Waterford, which would be inconceivable. Another is to reduce the acute beds in the psychiatric unit at Waterford from 14 to six. This would have profound implications for people who suffer from mental health issues, not just in Waterford but in Kilkenny, Carlow, Wexford, Tipperary and possibly further afield.

Today, I received correspondence from a constituent who suffers from mental health issues. She asked me to relate her story to the House. Her name is Antoinette Murphy. She runs an organisation called Candles in the Dark which campaigns for improved mental health services.

On Monday, 23 January I presented to the emergency department at University Hospital Waterford. I was suffering from chest pains and was having a severe panic attack. I was seen by a psychiatrist but I was informed that due to a shortage of beds I could not be admitted. I was turned away and I was left devastated. The staff informed me that I was the fourth person to be turned away that night. How is it allowed that people with suicidal ideation are turned away without adequate supports? I would have gladly sat on a glass floor rather than being sent home. I was left at home and suffered multiple panic attacks since. Do those in authority understand what it is like to suffer from mental health issues? Why do those in power allow a grossly inadequate system to remain in place?

It is hard to disagree with the questions she posed.

Will the Minister of State give assurances to the people of the south east that the acute bed capacity in the psychiatric unit at University Hospital Waterford will not be reduced? The current system is already under pressure and patients are being turned away from the hospital. I have received late night calls from people who have been asked to travel to Cork because the services were not available in Waterford. I have received responses to parliamentary questions to the Minister for Health informing me that key psychiatric posts in the hospital have not been filled. This is adding to the pressures.

Will the Minister of State confirm that the possibility of the unit being deregistered is not on the table? Will she also confirm that the number of beds will not be reduced? Will she outline when the vacant posts will be filled? This is not just for patients in Waterford but for those across the south east.

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