The health watchdog has made 13 findings of noncompliance against the department of psychiatry at Roscommon University Hospital.
In a new report, the Mental Health Commission deemed the premises noncompliant and gave it a ‘high-risk’ rating.
Last November, the commission carried out an unannounced inspection of Roscommon’s department of psychiatry, a 22-bed inpatient unit.
It identified 13 noncompliances – four described as ‘high risk’.
One of them related to the premises, with the commission claiming it had not been maintained in good decorative order and residents didn’t have access to an outdoor garden.
The commission also says there was insufficient number of bathroom facilities and showers.
It claims the department didn’t provide sufficient furnishings, with lockers and wardrobes at each bed space having no handles and having to be wedged open with a pen or key.
It adds that there was one shelf in each wardrobe, which was ‘wholly unsuitable’.
In a response, the HSE says painting of all rooms in the unit has commenced, while new wardrobes and lockers had been ordered.
Another ‘high risk’ related to privacy, with the layout and furnishings of the unit ‘not conducive to residents’ privacy and dignity’.
It claims the locks on two toilet doors was broken, while three bed areas didn’t have adequate privacy curtains or screening, while three other locations were overlooked by private housing.
The HSE told the commission it’s addressing these measures, but it has not yet responded to requests for comment from Shannonside FM.
