Galway TD claims bed transfers from Ballinasloe psychiatric unit are 'not licenced'
Galway Bay fm newsroom - Galway Fianna Fail TD Colm Keaveney has raised concerns that the transfer of five beds from Ballinasloe acute psychiatric unit to the unit in UHG is not licenced.
Deputy Keaveney has raised the restructuring plans with the Mental Health Commission and says the decision has not been authorised through the appropropriate channels.
The gradual wind-down began last month with the transfer of five beds to the acute unit in UHG.
The overall reconfiguration involves three phases which will eventually see 50 such beds in UHG and 22 in Roscommon.
In a statement to Galway Bay fm news, the Commission says it requires all registered proprietors of approved centres to notify them of any changes to bed numbers.
Speaking on Galway Talks, Deputy Keaveney says the Mental Health Commission has not validated the decision to increase beds at the acute unit in UHG.
Meanwhile, Galway TDs, Senators and Councillors are being urged to attend a meeting in Ballinasloe next week regarding the phased closure of St. Brigid's.
The meeting takes place this day week in Gullanes Hotel in Ballinasloe at 8pm.
Organiser Arthur Carr of Galway East Life Support and a member of the East Galway Mental Health Action Group says the transfers must be put on hold until a detailed review of the decision is carried out.
He says support from TDs, Senators and Councillors is now vital.