A ward at St Brigid’s Hospital in Ballinasloe has been upgraded at a cost of half a million euro. The project involved the upgrading of bedrooms and en suite facilities, the provision of additional bathrooms and decorating of the main ward area together with the purchase of new furniture and equipment for patients.
A spokesperson for the HSE West says the refurbishment of St Luke’s ward at the psychiatric hospital aims to enhance the quality of life for patients, providing them with an appropriate environment to meet their everyday and long term care needs.
Patients from St Dympna’s ward have now been moved into the newly upgraded St Luke’s on a temporary basis to facilitate phase two of the refurbishment of St Dympna’s.
Catherine Cunningham, HSE area manager for Galway/Roscommon, says despite the challenging times the health authority continues to work to deliver high quality mental health services.
“As part of this we are pleased to announce the completion of the refurbishment of St Luke’s ward at St Brigid’s. We also plan to have the refurbishment of St Dympna’s ward completed towards the end of June. These ongoing developments form part of an overall plan for Galway/Roscommon Mental Health Services and we have now commissioned a review of community mental health services. This review is to ensure compliance with the recommendations of the Mental Health Commission Report ‘Happy Living Here’ and ‘Vision for Change.’”
This review of community mental health services will focus on residential care settings and resources. It is based on the guiding principles of patient centeredness, equality, access to quality care that is focused on recovery, and integration with other mental health and mainstream health services.
A steering committee comprising the executive clinical director, area director of nursing, patient advocacy representative and area manager PCCC Galway/Roscommon will oversee and guide the review.
Membership of the Review Team includes Pat Dolan, independent chair; Dr John Owens, consultant psychiatrist; Dr Michael Reilly, Rehab consultant; and Denis Waters, regional advocate.
A report with findings and recommendations will be made available to the HSE West within three months. The final report will recommend a future strategy for community mental health services, focusing on short-term, medium term and long-term goals.
