The extent of the mental health treatment crisis has gotten a whole lot worse as it has been revealed that 26 mental health patients are being currently housed in prisons.
According to RTÉ News, the stark revelation comes after The Central Mental Health hospital revealed that they are currently experiencing a bed shortage.
It is understood that 26 patients who are described as being a threat to themselves and others, are currently being housed in prison cells as there is currently no room at the country’s biggest mental health hospital.
The news which has been described as alarming, has left many in the sector deeply concerned as those being detained at prisons are currently being left unmedicated and untreated.
Speaking to RTÉ News about the issue the hospital’s clinical director Professor Harry Kennedy, has said the situation is alarming as it has left to serious safety concerns amongst prison staff and prisoners.
Prof Kennedy also told the national broadcaster that the system is failing mental health patients as vulnerable patients are being placed in prison instead of being in care.
Prof Kennedy added “this is not good,”