Call to reopen Ballinasloe pyschiatric unit to alleviate pressure on UHG

Galway Bay fm newsroom – Minister Kathleen Lynch has been urged to reopen the acute pyschiatric unit in Ballinasloe due to increasing pressures on the unit at UHG. Galway East TD Colm Keaveney raised the matter in the Dail last evening where he said the crisis in Galway's mental health services is escalating. Under a reconfiguration plan initiated last year, 22 beds at St. Brigid's acute pyschiatric unit in Ballinasloe were gradually transferred to UHG. Fianna Fail TD Colm Keaveney says reopening St. Brigid's on a temportary basis would allow staff to better cope with the current surge in demand for services. He made a strong plea when he addressed the Dail last evening. Speaking of behalf of Minister Kathleen Lynch who has responsibility for Mental Health, Minister Alex White said bed capacity at the acute unit in UHG is currently under control with 10 empty beds yesterday morning.