THERE were 34 separate instances of overcrowding in Mid West in-patient mental health services in one eight-month period, according to a recently published Mental Health Commission (MHC) report.
The MHC report stated that the overcrowding took place in inpatient units at University Hospital Limerick and Ennis, which combined made up over 70 per cent of the total of national instances of overcrowding in an acute mental health unit in the period.
Responding to a query from the Limerick Post on which unit had the most overcrowding between the two, a spokesperson said there were the same number of extra patients in each unit.
“Acute inpatient bed management is a key focus for mental health services in the Mid West. In December 2023, the approval of the Mental Health Commission was secured for the registration of eight additional beds in Unit 5B, UHL. Remaining within bed capacity is a key priority for the service,” the spokesperson said.
“During an eight-month period referenced by the MHC Annual Report for 2023, there were 17 instances of over-capacity in Acute Psychiatric Unit (APU) Ennis and 17 instances of over-capacity in 5B, UHL.
“These instances are regrettable and we have introduced control measures to reduce the likelihood of reaching over capacity where actions are taken to look at bed management and discharges and transfers of care to alternative units within the region.
“We are pleased to advise that since the introduction of the control measures, there has been no further episodes of overcapacity in Unit 5B, UHL or the APU, Ennis.”
