Urgent investigation of injuries in Clonmel needed

THE IRISH Mental Health Coalition (IMHC) has called on the Government to establish urgently an independent investigation into the individual cases of patients who experienced fracture injuries in uncertain circumstances in St Luke's Hospital, Clonmel and St Michael's Unit, South Tipperary General Hospital, Clonmel.

This call comes in the wake of the publication of a report by the Mental Health Commission into care and treatment practices in these mental health in-patient facilities. "The rights and redress of the individuals who are the victims of this neglect must be the highest priority as this shocking story unfolds," said Caroline McGrath, Director of the IMHC.

The IMHC called for all admissions to St Luke's to be stopped. It also called for the immediate appointment of a National Director for Mental Health by the HSE to address the absence of accountability for mental health services.

"The report of the Mental Health Commission is deeply disturbing. It catalogues persistent and continuing violations of the fundamental human rights of vulnerable adults in State care. Of particular concern is the report of the high level of injuries sustained by patients in the centres," said Ms McGrath.

"Alarmingly, the number of residents at St Luke's Hospital and St Michael's Unit sustaining fractures each year has not changed substantially since the internal HSE September 2004 report. The Inspector of Mental Health Services called for admissions to St Michael's to cease as far back as 2005.

"Individual patients and their families are entitled to a detailed investigation into injuries sustained by patients while in the care of the State. The 2004 HSE internal report did not establish how these injuries were sustained, nor were its recommendations acted on. A full investigation into each possible instance of unexplained injury must be conducted immediately.

"The Commission's report provides an insight into wider inadequacies within Ireland's mental health services. The absence of professional teams and therapeutic services mean people simply are not getting basic treatment and services. The report highlights inappropriate use of seclusion, inappropriate medication, absence of basic levels of privacy, a poor and unsafe physical environment, and restrictions on movement. These conditions are degrading and breach the most basic rights to dignity and bodily integrity. They have been highlighted by the Inspector for years.

"Sadly, many of the problems highlighted are not new, nor are they confined to Clonmel. The Inspector of Mental Health Services has persistently reported on them, and year on year they remain unimplemented. The Irish Government now needs to look at how recommendations from the Commission and Inspector are implemented and taken seriously. The report is a stark reminder of the ongoing neglect of people in need of mental health support, and the intolerably slow progress towards reform. There is a shocking absence of leadership and accountability which is an indictment of any civilized society," concluded Ms McGrath.

Background note

A Core Group of five organisations is responsible for the operation of the IMHC:

Amnesty International Ireland

Bodywhys - The Eating Disorders Association of Ireland

GROW in Ireland

Irish Advocacy Network.

SHINE (Formerly Schizophrenia Ireland)

For further information please see www.amnesty.ie