Fine Gael Senator Maura Hopkins has voiced her anger and frustration at the closure.
Alluding to HSE assurances last October, which indicated that no such closures would happen, Senator Hopkins said that it is very clear that what the HSE are communicating publicly differs greatly from what is being implemented on the ground.
Senator Hopkins said that the HSE have a serious communications problem.
“This is evident in terms of how it has dealt with residents and families of the Rosalie Unit and now with residents and staff in the hostel in Athleague”.
She continued: “It appears that very little has been learnt from past mistakes by the HSE. I have raised my serious concerns about the delivery of this service in Athleague and wider mental health services across Co. Roscommon with both Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People, Jim Daly and Tony Canavan, Chief Officer CHO2.
“We need to see improvements in our mental health services in Co. Roscommon, however I am very concerned about the direction of those services at present. The HSE are not informing people on the ground what changes are being made and why they are being made. It is very difficult for service users, their families and staff to have confidence and trust in our services at present”.
Senator Hopkins concluded: “The removal of the residents from this hostel raises serious questions about the management of our mental health services locally. I want answers from the HSE on this matter”.
