The Mental Health Commission, in its recently published 2024 annual report, has recorded a 100% compliance rate in its inspections of the HSE Dublin South East Aidan’s Unit and Grangemore facilities in Waterford.

Aidan’s Unit is a purpose built 20 en-suite single bedroomed mental health facility at the Waterford Residential Care Centre.  They specialise in psychiatry of later life and continuing mental health care.

Located on the grounds of St Otteran’s Hospital and also comprised of en-suite single bedrooms, Grangemore provides continuing mental health care and rehabilitation to 14 residents.

The Mental Health Commission (MHC) plays a key role in inspecting and measuring compliance to its regulations at inpatient and residential mental health approved centres. They hold providers to account for achieving and maintaining a range of standards, identifying areas for improvement in mental health services and helping to ensure that the best possible service is provided to all service users.

Welcoming the recent publication of the 2024 report, Anne Donaghey, Head of Service Mental Health, HSE Dublin and South East, outlined how “patient care remains a priority focus for the HSE, throughout all components of our service delivery. We strive at all times to adhere to the rules and regulations relating to provision of mental health services. We continue to work closely with the Mental Health Commission to ensure that all of our facilities comply with regulatory requirements.”

“With regard to the Aidan’s Unit, the MHC highlighted how residents and family were involved in decision making and that an appropriate programme of activities was evident. The MHC also cited new quality initiatives that assist in delivering good quality care to the residents. It was also noted that feedback to the MHC from the resident’s families and the peer advocate was very positive regarding the care and treatment at the Unit.”

Anne added: “In relation to Grangemore, the MHC said the quality of care and treatment delivered to residents was well over and above set expectations. Strong leadership and skilled, caring and committed staff and a culture of fostering the development of care in collaboration with the residents were also noted. The MHC further highlighted how the culture of positive attitude translated into recovery focused, meaningful living for residents of Grangemore.”

She concluded:

“An enormous contribution is being made every day by dedicated colleagues across mental health services and we congratulate the teams attaching to Aidan’s Unit and Grangemore. We also thank patients and their families for their support. We look forward to continuing to meet the expectations set for us by the Mental Health Commission.”

The report reflects the good work carried out in HSE Dublin South East and further identifies how this work is in line with the priorities identified in the HSE Corporate Plan. It shows how, within the priority around Right Care, the HSE is continuing to “improve the efficiency and effectiveness of services such as mental health.”