No timeline from HSE for delivery of extension at Crosslanes in Louth
The HSE said the proposed development at Crosslanes in Drogheda is at the pre-tender approval stage within its Capital Management Framework, and remains subject to further approvals, with no definitive timeline for delivery
A ‘clear delivery timetable’ is needed for the opening of ten additional beds at Drogheda’s Department of Psychiatry, according to Louth Sinn Fein TD, Ruairí Ó Murchú, after the HSE confirmed it cannot say when the proposed extension will be operational.
Responding to a parliamentary question submitted by Deputy Ó Murchú, the HSE said the proposed development at Crosslanes is at the pre-tender approval stage within its Capital Management Framework. It remains subject to further approvals, with no definitive timeline for delivery.
The Sinn Féin TD said the response he received provides no answer to the question as to when the beds will be fully operational.
He said that while it was welcome that there is progress on the much-needed extension, it remains at the pre-tender approval stage and ‘patients, families and staff need clarity about when this additional capacity will actually become available’.
Deputy Ó Murchú said: “Behind every discussion about psychiatric beds are people who need urgent care, families worried about a loved one, and healthcare workers who need the resources to provide appropriate treatment and support.
“The HSE has outlined the approval process, but we need to know what outstanding steps remain, who is responsible for completing them and when decisions will be made.
“The Minister for Health and the HSE need to provide a clear timetable covering the remaining approvals, tendering, construction and opening of these beds.
“There must also be a staffing and funding plan so that, once the extension is completed, the beds can be brought into use promptly.”
Deputy Ó Murchú continued: “People in Louth deserve accessible, properly resourced mental health services. These ten additional beds must be progressed with urgency, alongside investment in community mental health supports.
“What we fundamentally need is a system that enables people to get the supports that they need, through additional capacity and ensuring that people are assessed and looked after as soon as possible.
“I will continue to pursue this with the Minister and the HSE. We need a delivery plan with clear milestones and accountability so that patients and families can have confidence that this development will become a reality.”