Mental Health Commission says transfers to acute unit in UHG are within the rules
Galway Bay fm newsroom - The Mental Health Commission says it has been notified of changes in the operational capacity of the Department of Psychiatry in UHG.
That's despite concerns raised by Galway East TD Colm Keaveney who said the transfer of five beds from Ballinsloe acute psychiatric unit to the unit in UHG is not licenced.
The HSE says the restructuring is not about cost saving but investment, while the 'vision for change' policy is in line with best international practice.
The gradual wind-down of St. Brigid's 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 Mental Health Commission says UHG is registered to accommodate 43 residents and that these changes fall within its current registration parameters.
Deputy Keaveney says the Fianna Fail party will put forward a Bill of Notice to the Seanad on Tuesday week.
This will call on all Senators for support in having the decision reversed.