Séamus Healy (Tipperary, Workers and Unemployed Action Group) | Oireachtas source

The situation at the department of psychiatry at St. Luke's General Hospital, Kilkenny is outrageous, disgraceful and unacceptable. As the Minister is aware, there has been a cluster of unexplained deaths associated with the unit. Tipperary patients are suffering delayed admissions due to the overcrowding as well as inappropriate early discharges. Travel and visiting difficulties make it almost impossible for carers and family members to support patients in the unit. The staff are at breaking point, to the extent that nurses held a lunchtime protest outside the unit recently.

The situation in Kilkenny needs to be investigated immediately. The Government needs to ensure that acute psychiatric beds for Tipperary are reopened in Tipperary at South Tipperary General Hospital. It must be done urgently.

See this speech in context