The Psychiatric Nurses Association (PNA) today (Weds. 13 th June)welcomed the decision by the HSE not to go ahead with a reduction in the number of beds in the new Acute Mental Health Admission Unit at University College Hospital Galway (UCHG) which will be officially opened on June 30 th . This followed conciliation under auspices of WRC on 29/05/18 and acceptance of same by West Galway PNA Branch.
The PNA said the Unit will now comprise of 50 beds as originally planned instead of 45 beds as announced by the HSE earlier this year. The PNA had strongly opposed the proposed reduction in beds which was in violation of commitments given by the HSE following the closure of 22 beds in Ballinasloe.
PNA Industrial Relations Officer, Rory Kavanagh said:
‘We welcome the decision taken by the HSE to honour its commitment to 50 beds in the new UCHG Unit. PNA has been adamant that the demand for acute services in Galway fully justified the need for the full complement of 50 beds in the Unit. We also welcome the commitment from HSE management to fully engage with PNA to develop a full range of community mental health services in the region as recommended by Vision for Change – the blueprint for the development of mental health services nationally.'
Media Contacts: Rory Kavanagh 086-3871429, Derek Cunningham 086-2430535
