HSE to proceed with 10-bed build on Owenacurra Centre site

CORK politicians have welcomed the news that the HSE is retaining mental health services in Midleton and proceeding with a 10-bed new build on the Owenacurra Centre site.

HSE chief executive Bernard Gloster wrote to Oireachtas members confirming the news.

It follows on from the acquisition earlier this year by the HSE of a three-bedroom property in Midleton for three of the remaining six residents at the Owenacurra Centre.

Mr Gloster has said that he is pursuing an additional property for the other three remaining residents.

In the memo issued to Oireachtas members, which has been seen by The Echo, Mr Gloster confirmed that a premises for three of the residents has already been secured in the local area.

Mr Gloster confirmed a second house is the subject of negotiations for purchase by the HSE for the other three residents.

He also said the 10-bed facility, subject to planning, will be on the site of the current facility thereby modernising it, retaining it in the town, and addressing some of the previously articulated concerns that it would be further removed and isolated.

He said he has authorised the estates function and management of Cork Kerry Community Healthcare to proceed with the necessary steps for design, the appointment of a design team and engagement with the local authority in the pre-planning phase to ensure this is pursued in the shortest time possible.

Independent councillor Liam Quaide, who has been part of a long-standing campaign to retain services in Owenacurra following a decision to close the centre in 2021, described the news as “a major breakthrough”.

“It is a major breakthrough that the HSE is purchasing an additional house in Midleton for three residents and proceeding with a 10-bed new build on the Owenacurra site,” he said.

He said that were it not for the campaign, this “multi-million investment” in mental health facilities for people with the highest level of need in east Cork would not have come about. He applauded the families and residents involved, as well as Green Party TD Neasa Hourigan and Sinn Féin TD Pat Buckley and those on the Oireachtas committees who he said were most helpful.

“This multimillion-euro investment would not have come about without the relentless pressure of our campaign. As of December 2021, the HSE plan was to replace none of these 24-hour staffed services in east Cork,” he said.

“However, serious ethical questions remain about the transfer of some residents outside east Cork.

“I’m also concerned that the HSE is pushing ahead with a 50-bed long- stay facility on the isolated grounds of St Stephen’s Hospital — a clear misdirection of funding and a contravention of A Vision for Change.”

Mr Buckley also welcomed the Owenacurra development, paying tribute to the community that fought long and hard to see the decision to close the centre reversed.