Calls for Independent Review

Full justification for the removal of mental health services from St. Brigid’s Ballinasloe to Galway University Hospital could only be established by a fully independent review of those services.

This was stated by Independent MEP Marian Harkin who attended the meeting in Gullane’s Hotel, Ballinasloe on Sunday, February 16th, organised to raise opposition to the removal of services from St. Brigid’s.

She said:- “I fully support the call for a fully independent review of where mental health services would be best located for east Galway.  The decision to relocate to Galway city defies logic especially in view of the fact that St. Brigids provides an excellent service in purpose built easily accessible facilities.  In contrast the Galway location at GUH is congested, not easily accessed and in need of significant upgrade.

“The decision to direct South Roscommon patients to Roscommon hospital also makes no sense having regard to the deficit of services there.

“I am calling on the responsible Minister Kathleen Lynch, the Taoiseach and Tanaiste to immediately review the decision to move services to Galway.  In the interest of patient safety, and service, they must establish an independent review of the decisions that have been taken to relocate mental health services from Ballinasloe to GUH in Galway city”, Marian Harkin MEP concluded.