Delay in opening of psychiatric unit criticised

THE opening of a new psychiatric unit at Beaumont Hospital has been delayed due to an issue with flooring.

In a letter sent to Deputy Joe Higgins (SP) and dated October 15, 2013, the HSE said it anticipated that the unit would be

“operational in late January 2014

?.

However, in a statement last week, the HSE said it anticipated that the handover, equipping and commissioning of the unit will be complete within Quarter 2 of 2014.

A spokeswoman for the Health Service Executive said:

“During the handover process, in October 2013, of the new acute psychiatric unit at Beaumont Hospital, issues pertaining to the standard of flooring finishes were encountered.

“Works are currently underway to rectify the situation,

? she told Northside People.

“These works are being carried out in agreement and close liaison with the regional HSE Estates Management Department.

?

Michael O’Brien, an Anti Austerity Alliance candidate for the Beaumont Donaghmede ward in the local elections, criticised the delay.

“Three times at my prompting in June 2013, October 2013 and again in March, Joe Higgins TD’s office submitted parliamentary questions to the Minister for Health regarding the delayed opening of the new psychiatric unit,

? said Mr O’Brien.

“On each occasion the question was referred to the HSE and we were told in successive answers that the unit would open in September/October 2013, then January 2014 and now within Quarter 2 of 2014.

“The latest reason given for the delay is essentially the same as the reason given six months ago – problems with the flooring adhesive.

“It’s important that the construction work is finished to the highest standard but I find it hard to understand how this has taken over six months to resolve.

?