Seanad debates
Thursday, 7 November 2002
Report of the Inspector of Mental Hospitals, 2001: Statements.
Even though the report is critical of some of the health boards, I am sure the Western Health Board, of which I am a member even though I do not speak for it, would very much accept the criticisms made. At the end of 2002, it is somewhat unreal to discuss a report carried out in 2001 or earlier. Since the report was written, the inspectors have on two occasions visited St. Brigid's Hospital in Ballinasloe, to which Senators referred earlier. Many things can happen in a year or 18 months. One of the criticisms of St. Brigid's Hospital centred on wards 2 and 3. Since the report was published, ward 2 has been closed and the health board hopes that improvements will be made in ward 3. The inspector is concerned that learning disability is still being dealt with in the psychiatric hospital. While there are criticisms, it should be accepted that improvements must be made and I would like to see them take place as quickly as possible.
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