Naas Mental Health Unit Flagged For Risk Areas Despite Moderate Compliance Results

Friday, 27 June 2025 08:50

By Martin Osborne

Inspectors found the centre to be 86 percent compliant with mental health regulations - slightly above the average for the region.

The Lakeview mental health unit at Naas General Hospital has recorded moderate results in the latest review by the Mental Health Commission.

Inspectors found the centre to be 86 percent compliant with mental health regulations - slightly above the average for the region.

However, the unit was also flagged for areas of non-compliance that carried a potential risk to residents.

While no formal enforcement action was taken, the Commission says issues such as staffing, premises standards, and care planning continue to challenge services nationwide.

Nationally, the Mental Health Commission took 31 enforcement actions against 20 approved centres last year.

The annual report of the independent statutory body also found there was a decrease of 18 and a half percent in the number of reported cases of physical restraint, and close to a 17 per cent drop in the number of seclusions compared to the previous year.

The report highlights that over capacity is down from 46 instances in 2023, dropping to seven last year.

There were five child admissions to five adult units - this compares to 14 admissions to 11 adult units in 2022.

However, the Inspector also reported that low compliance has persisted across several fundamental regulations, such as individualised care planning, risk management, staffing and premises.

In 2024, the number of non-compliances rated as high and critical increased on previous years, indicating concerning attitudes to compliance in a relatively small number of HSE services.

More from Local News

Rent Hike Fears For Students As Lawless’s Department Weighs Change Sought By Private Operators

Audio

Senator Laura Harmon says Further and Higher Education Minister and Kildare North TD James Lawless must protect students from rent hikes.
Taxi Driver Protest Suspended Pending Outcome Of Talks

The action has been suspended pending the outcome of a meeting at Government buildings next week.
Lights Could Make Anti-Social Behaviour Worse: Council Says No To Security Lighting At Kilcock Playground

A motion from Social Democrats Councillor Peter Melrose had called for lighting to improve passive surveillance, but officials say previous attempts in other playgrounds failed to curb antisocial behaviour - and in some cases made it worse.
BREAKING: Green Light For €1.3bn Drainage Scheme Serving Kildare After Court Agreement

The major project is seen as crucial to the provision of future housing infrastructure.
Kildare Man Nigel Cullen Awarded With National Bravery Award After Saving Young Man From House Fire

Audio

More than 17 people have been recognised at this year’s National Bravery Awards in Leinster House
Council Diverts €17K Carbury Castle Resoration Funding To Christmas Lights - Maynooth Gets Lion's Share

€11,000 has been assigned to Maynooth, as part of €17,000 redistributed from the Carbury Castle Restoration Project under Local Property Tax rules.
Lakeside–Dara Park Redevelopment: Newbridge Residents Urged To Take Part In Survey

An online anonymous survey is now live and will remain open until 4pm on Friday, January 16th, 2026.
Irish Troops Come Under "Small-Arms Fire" In Lebanon

Defence Minister Helen McEntee is condemning the incident, and says it's an unacceptable breach of the UN Security Council Resolution.