Mental Health Minister reaffirms no u-turn on Ballinasloe bed closures
Galway Bay fm newsroom - The Minister with responsibility for mental health says there'll be no u-turn on psychiatric bed closures at St.brigid's hospital in Ballinasloe.
Kathleen Lynch is also hitting out at what she called 'scaremongering' over the issue.
150 people gathered at St Brigid's in Ballinasloe to protest and prevent the removal of beds.
A plan to take away 22 beds was first announced last summer, as part of the 'Vision for Change' plan.
This morning Minister Lynch is rejecting claims that other facilities in Galway and Roscommon are overcrowded.
And she says she's determined to follow through on the changes.
Meanwhile, at least two bus loads of campaign members opposed to the removal of the acute psychiatric beds will travel to Daíl Eireann today.
Fianna Fail Senators are expected to raise the issue in the Seanad this afternoon, calling for an independent review of the decision.
A vigil is also being maintained on site to prevent the removal of any more beds from St. Brigids.
Arthur Carr of the Galway East life support group says protestors intend to step up their campaign today.