There are further delays to the controversial clinical assessments of residents at the Rosalie Unit in Castlerea after families were informed on Wednesday that an independent observer from the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland has withdrawn from the process.
Speaking to the Roscommon People on Wednesday, Liam Walsh, whose mother Breda is a resident at the unit, said family members received word that the ongoing process, which they have vehemently opposed, would now be held up until another independent observer could be appointed.
Mr. Walsh said that no reason was given for the withdrawal and the HSE told families that it hoped a new nominee could be found by mid-January.
“The families have been completely against the clinical assessments from the very beginning but they have dragged on. They are two months behind already and now they have been delayed further due to the fact that the College of Psychiatrists has withdrawn.
“This is just another example of mismanagement by the HSE,” he said.
There have been no new admissions at the Alzheimer’s and dementia unit since September 2016. The clinical assessment process started earlier this year and has continued despite calls from Minister for Mental Health and Older People Jim Daly to pause the assessments in July.
