Fears are being expressed over the future of a long-stay mental health unit in Castlerea according to a news report on Midwest Radio.
The Rosalie unit, which accommodates about 25 residents with longterm mental health issues, is part of Aras Naomh Chaolain in Castlerea and the HSE had planned to develop the unit as a specialist dementia and Alzheimers facility.
However, Roscommon Independent TD Denis Naughton says he’s been contacted by staff within the mental health service that this unit in Castlerea may be closed.
Deputy Naughton is hoping to raise the matter in the Dail this afternoon, to get clarification on the issue.
Midwest News has also contacted the HSE today in relation to the Rosalie unit in Castlerea, who say there are no plans in place in regard to individual residential services.
In a statement, the HSE explains that a report of the Expert Review Group on Community Mental Health services in Roscommon and Galway was published last July and recommends that everyone in the residential services should have access to a rehabilitation team to ensure they reach their full potential and live their lives as independently as possible.
The statement says clients have recently been assessed and over the coming weeks and months the HSE will be working with the clients and their families to develop plans that will improve their quality of life and help them reach their full potential.
This process will take some time, and there are no plans in place in regard to individual services, according to the statement.
