Safeguarding and structural issues at Cork mental health centre raised

A Cork city mental health centre was not in good structural condition, and there were safeguarding issues related to the presence of a child on the campus, a Mental Health Commission (MHC) report has found.

St Catherine’s Ward, located on the grounds of St Finbarr’s Hospital on the Douglas Rd, was ranked 80% compliant overall by MHC inspectors, including four non-compliances marked high-risk and two marked critical.

Overall, this marks the centre’s highest compliance rate of the last five years, and there were areas of good practice observed, including an emphasis on resident general health and individual care plans which inspectors said “were excellent, considering both regulations were non-compliant in 2024”.

However, the premises itself was not maintained in good structural condition, with flooring in the dining room, one toilet and corridor on ground floor either damaged or heavily marked, and a sink damaged.

Paving in the garden was uneven, presenting a fall risk, the wood surrounds of the raised flower beds were damaged and had sharp edging, and there were issues with fire doors.

Minor

At the time of inspection, the annex building in the garden area accommodated a minor in the care of the HSE Disability Service.

The location of the building posed a potential safeguarding risk to the minor, as adult residents using the centre’s garden had open access to the building, which had bedroom doors and a window wide open at the time of inspection.

Staff had not received training in relation to the care of children, the facilities for the child were not appropriate, and there was no programme of activities made available.

The child had been moved to the centre from the emergency department, which, according to senior management of St Catherine’s Unit, was the only available accommodation suitable at that time to provide for their complex needs.

The inspection team were informed that the placement was expected to be a temporary arrangement.

Barriers

Fencing barriers were being installed during the inspection which would allow residents to access the garden, but not the annex.

Inspectors also noted that the child’s safety was ensured as there were members of staff employed by the HSE Disability Services present at all times.

Other issues identified by inspectors included that there was no occupational therapist in the centre.

The HSE told MHC after the inspection that the issues with the premises had been addressed or were scheduled to be addressed, and an occupational therapist role has been offered to a prospective candidate, who is currently undergoing pre-employment checks.