Lack of mental health beds in Tipperary again to the fore

There are calls for efforts to be stepped up in Tipperary for the return of mental health beds.

It comes amid reports that St Lukes in Kilkenny is set to get over 20 extra psychiatric beds – a report which is being denied by the Minster for Health Simon Harris and Minister with Responsibility for Mental Health Jim Daly.

Tipperary Independent TD Seamus Healy has sought clarification on the matter, as he claims extra beds in Kilkenny could be detrimental to reopening St Michaels in Clonmel.

The facility closed in 2012 with all psychiatric services being transferred to St Luke’s.

Deputy Healy says that the government is finally accepting extra resources are needed in the South East, and believes those beds should be made available in Tipperary and not Kilkenny.