HSE given two weeks to address safety concerns at UHG psychiatric unit

Galway Bay fm newsroom – The HSE has two weeks to implement changes at the UHG psychiatric unit while the Psychiatric Nurses’ Association ballots its members on possible industrial action.
The PNA is set to ballot its members from Monday over safety concerns at the facility, and the process is expected to take a fortnight.
Members claim understaffing at the unit is putting the safety of both patients and staff at risk.
In a statement issued to FYI Galway, the HSE states that eight new nursing posts have been approved for the facility.
It states that these posts will be temporary while the recruitment of eight new permanent posts is ongoing.
Last evening, PNA representatives met with HSE management to discuss the development of intensive community treatment teams.
The scheduled meeting was aimed at finding an alternative to hospital admission, and the HSE says it’s calling on the PNA to ensure that the new community services are put in place as quickly as possible.
Meanwhile, the PNA says it will go ahead with its member ballot with regard to possible industrial action.
National Secretary Noel Giblin says this will give the HSE an opportunity to address the concerns of staff at UHG.