Oireachtas Health Committee to visit Owenacurra Mental Health Unit in Midleton

The visit is set to take place later this month and the decision comes at a crucial time in a local campaign to keep area mental health services in place, as the HSE plans to close the unit.

The mental health centre on the grounds of Midleton Community Hospital was due to close at the end of last month after the HSE said the building was no longer fit for purpose for the 19 residents.

Residents’ families say the centre should remain open and have raised fears that moving residents out of the town will have a significant impact on their wellbeing.

Sinn Fein TD for Cork East Pat Buckley who has been campaigning strongly for the retention of the unit,  has welcomed the decision by the Health Committee to visit Owenacurra.

He's hopeful that the visit will be the beginning of a serious approach to the issue which will lead to clarity and commitment for the families of the unit's residents who depend on the service.