Fianna Fáil TD for Galway West Éamon Ó Cuív says he is disappointed to learn that has been no increase in capacity at the High Observation Unit in the Department of Psychiatry at University Hospital Galway.
Deputy Ó Cuív explained that ever since its opening in December 2015, the High Observation Unit at UHG has been operating at full capacity.
“The HSE confirmed that “bed capacity was not increased as a result of opening this unit” but despite the high demand for the service, “there has been no capacity expansion” of the unit.
“This is an extremely distressing situation for the patients and families who need these services. Demand for places in this unit is high but there appears to be no plan to increase capacity. This poses a major challenge to the delivery of mental health services in Galway and across the west of Ireland.
“This latest information once again highlights the failure of this government to secure the necessary resources to provide the necessary mental health services in this region, and right across the country. We need to see a concerted effort from the Health Minister and the HSE to provide the beds, staff and resources needed to provide these essential services,” he concluded.
