Longford's depleted mental health support services suffer another blow

County Longford's depleted mental health support services have suffered another blow as the HSE are set to close down the five-bed unit at Hillcrest House in Longford.

Hillcrest has operated as a 24-hour, nurse-staffed, high-support community residence since September 2012. It is a former private residence situated on the outskirts of Longford town on the main Longford to Dublin road.

Based on the recovery model of care, Hillcrest staff strived to enable residents to reach their optimal level of involvement within the community.

This reduction of the mental health services in the county was raised in Seanad Eireann by Senator Micheál Carrigy.

Speaking in Oireachtas, Senator Carrigy said: “I have been told the HSE plans to close a five-bed unit at Hillcrest House in Longford, reducing the number of beds available in Longford from 15 to ten.”

The HSE say that at present, the Hillcrest Community Rehabilitation Residence is occupied by three residents, but flagged their intention to move them to alternative accommodation.

Cllr Carrigy slammed the move: “No correspondence has been sent to any of the Oireachtas Members. We are hearing about this without warning and I do not think it's acceptable that people are going to have to travel to outside counties to avail of support.”

Senator Carrigy concluded “I ask for correspondence to be sent to the Minister for Health outlining my objections and those of the people of Longford who support people in the mental health services area.”

Hillcrest's location on the edge of Longford town facilitated community engagement. Residents could access the town easily for social outings. There was a GAA pitch, shopping centre, local park, library, church, and restaurants nearby. There are local hairdressers and barbers that were also used by residents.

In a correspondence with the Leader the HSE said Longford /Westmeath Mental Health Services is “committed to providing a service-user centred safe and effective secondary mental health services” to meet the needs of the three residents.

They say the Rehabilitation & Recovery Team of Longford /Westmeath Community Mental Health Services have proposed “alternative residents” with consent to the residents and their families.

“The three residents will remain under the care of the Rehabilitation and Rehabilitation Team, and this will promote continuity of care,” the statement said.

Two of the three residents will be accommodated in a Longford Community Mental Health Hostel. The HSE says this will provide twenty four hour nursing care and a greater level of nursing input. The third resident will transfer to a residence in Mullingar.

The HSE say Hillcrest premises will remain “an important component of service delivery” by the Longford / Westmeath Mental Health Service, and will be used to “complement existing services”.

The statement added: “To conclude, three clients will be moved with consent to areas with greater levels of supervision and their care package will be enhanced.

“All three residents will be supported to achieve their optimal level of functioning and enhance their quality of life.

“Longford /Westmeath Mental Health Services remains committed to providing a service user centred safe and effective secondary mental health services to meet the needs of the population it serves.”