Plans are being advanced for a new 50-bed acute mental health block at University Hospital Waterford.
It's hoped the facility, if delivered, would enhance the provision of services at the Department of Psychiatry.
In October 2019, the existing 44-bed unit, was criticised by the Mental Health Commission for a “low level” of compliance with regulations, while many of the criticisms related to procedures and the admission of children to the adult facility, it's hoped the new block would help overcome other shortcomings.
The building would also house orthopedic services. The next step in the process would be for the building to be allocated funds in next year's capital plan.
Meanwhile, 12 new consultant posts are to be created at UHW.
Funding has been approved by the HSE for the positions, which range across medical, surgical and diagnostic areas and include posts in Urology, Neurology, Respiratory, Radiology, Ophthamology, trauma and infectious diseases. The recruitment process has commenced.
The news emerged following a meeting of Oireacthas members and the General Manger of UHW.
Sinn Féin TD for Waterford David Cullinane welcomed the news:
“It is great news that 12 additional consultant posts, including a neurologist, and a new 50-bed mental health block are to be advanced at University Hospital Waterford.
“The Mental Health Commission has, in the past, been highly critical of the inpatient health facility.
“Findings last year were highly worrying with a high-risk rating given for critical non-compliance, so a new facility is overdue and very welcome.
“It will be part of a critical care block with enhanced orthopaedic services also.
“It is clearly necessary and needs to be delivered quickly. While this project is still in the early stages it is important that we ensure it is progressed quickly and funding secured.
“The additional 12 consultant posts will go a long way towards addressing waiting lists, but we have had announcements in the past.
“There are hundreds of vacant consultant, nursing, and other posts across the state.
“These need to be filled and the additional posts delivered swiftly.”
