Ardee’s St Ita’s Ward Named Among Ireland’s Top Mental Health Facilities
Ardee News and Sport –Ardee’s St Ita’s Ward Named Among Ireland’s Top Mental Health Facilities
The Mental Health Commission (MHC) has released inspection reports for twelve in-patient mental health centres across Ireland, and St Ita’s Ward at St Brigid’s Hospital in Ardee has emerged as one of the nation’s top-performing facilities. Achieving an impressive compliance rate of 97% with the MHC’s rigorous rules, regulations, and codes of practice, the ward has set a high standard for mental health care. This ranks St Ita’s Ward alongside other top-rated centres in Cork, Dublin, and Galway.
Recognition for Innovation and Personalised Care
The MHC highlighted St Ita’s Ward for its innovative practices, including the use of the Camberwell Assessment of Need (CAN). This comprehensive tool identifies residents’ health and social needs, enhancing the individual care planning process to ensure personalised and well-rounded care. This forward-thinking approach demonstrates the facility’s commitment to addressing both the clinical and social aspects of mental health recovery.
National Compliance Rates: A Mixed Picture
The inspection reports revealed a wide range of compliance rates across the twelve centres, from 70% to 97%. While facilities like St Ita’s Ward excelled, others faced significant challenges. The Department of Psychiatry at Roscommon University Hospital (73%) and St Canice’s Hospital in Kilkenny (74%) were among the underperforming centres, with critical and high-risk non-compliances identified in areas such as maintenance, privacy, risk management, and seclusion practices.
The MHC noted that six centres performed exceptionally well, achieving compliance rates of 90-100%, while two centres scored between 80-90%. However, four facilities fell into the 70-80% range, underscoring the need for improvements in some areas of Ireland’s mental health infrastructure.
Addressing Non-Compliance
To address deficiencies, the MHC requires all centres with non-compliance issues to submit Corrective and Preventive Action Plans (CAPAs). These plans must outline specific measures to resolve each identified issue. The Commission monitors the implementation of CAPAs closely and takes enforcement action when necessary to ensure the safety, health, and well-being of residents.
A Model for Excellence in Mental Health Care
St Ita’s Ward’s high performance in the latest inspection reflects its unwavering dedication to providing safe, high-quality care. The professionalism of its staff, combined with its focus on innovation and compassionate treatment, has established the ward as a benchmark for mental health services in Ireland. This recognition not only benefits the local community in Ardee but also serves as a model for mental health facilities nationwide.
Importance of Investment in Mental Health
The achievements of St Ita’s Ward underline the critical importance of investing in mental health infrastructure and services. As the facility continues to excel, it provides reassurance to residents and families while demonstrating what is possible with a commitment to excellence in care and innovation. This accolade is a testament to the dedication of the staff and the transformative impact of thoughtful, patient-centred mental health practices.