Protestors to step up mental health plans
Relatives of mental health patients opposing the relocation of one of the country’s largest facilities to the grounds of a new super prison will this week step up their campaign.
The Central Mental Hospital carers’ group wants to stop the Dundrum centre being closed and moved to a site in north Co Dublin earmarked for Thornton Hall.
Members will appear before the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children on Tuesday to hand over its report, Patients Not Prisoners, which was published jointly with the Irish Mental Health Coalition and Schizophrenia Ireland.
A spokesman said concerned members will also present evidence invalidating the Government’s proposal and urge the committee to call on Health Minister Mary Harney to reverse the decision.
The Central Mental Hospital carers’ group, which is made up of relatives and carers, is campaigning for improved facilities, care and human rights for patients.
