Two Waterford mental health facilities achieve 100% compliance in annual inspection

Two residential mental health facilities in Waterford have recorded perfect compliance scores following inspections by the Mental Health Commission (MHC), according to the commission’s newly published 2024 annual report.

The facilities, Aidan’s Unit and Grangemore, both operated by HSE Dublin and South East, achieved 100% compliance rates following inspections that assessed adherence to mental health regulations and standards.

Aidan’s Unit, a purpose-built centre at the Waterford Residential Care Centre, specialises in psychiatry of later life and continuing mental health care, offering 20 en-suite single bedrooms.

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

Welcoming the report’s findings, Anne Donaghey, Head of Service/Mental Health, Waterford/Wexford and Carlow-Kilkenny/Tipperary South Integrated Healthcare Areas, HSE Dublin and South East, said:

“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 (MHC) to ensure that all of our facilities comply with regulatory requirements.”

The MHC’s report praised Aidan’s Unit for involving residents and families in decision-making and noted new quality initiatives supporting high standards of care.

“As regards 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,” Donaghey added.

“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 Aidan’s Unit.”

For Grangemore, inspectors said the quality of care and treatment was “well over and above set expectations,” citing strong leadership, skilled staff, and a collaborative approach.

“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.”

“An enormous contribution is being made every day by dedicated colleagues across mental health services and the HSE congratulate the teams attaching to Aidan’s Unit and Grangemore,” Ms Donaghey added.

“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 MHC inspections form part of the commission’s ongoing work to uphold standards and drive improvements in mental health services nationwide.

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