HSE defends acute bed reconfiguation plans for Ballinasloe pyschiatric unit

Galway bay fm newsroom -The HSE has moved to reassure mental health patients and their families that any reconfiguration of acute beds across Galway and Roscommon will not impact on the availability of required services.

That's the message from Dr. Amanda Burke, an Executive Clinical Director who was speaking at a special media briefing in Merlin Park today on the proposed changes and new developments within the service.

This involves home-based treatment teams, assertive outreach and the development of community mental health services.

Currently, there are 35 acute in-patient beds in the city with 22 in Ballinasloe and a further 22 in Roscommon.

Under a three phased plan, this will eventually be restructured to 50 beds in UHG with 22 in Roscommon.

The Ballinasloe Health campus will then be used for 16 pyschiatry of later life beds as well as a day hospital and a base for community mental health teams.

Local campaign groups including the Psychiatric Nurses Association have argued that winding down the acute unit in Ballinasloe is premature stating that there is not sufficient community care teams in place.

However Dr. Amanda Burke told Galway Bay fm news that services will be enhanced as part of the national Vision for Change strategy.

She stresses that points of access for patients will not be changed