Deputy James Browne has been critical of the 2019 HSE Capital Plan published today, over eight months into the year and just before the 2020 budget. “The lateness of the publication of the capital plan is emblematic of this government’s inability to manage the health budget and its willingness to use the department of health for PR purposes,” claims the Enniscorthy-based deputy.

“A major disappointment in today’s announcement is that it totally ignores the lack of mental health facilities in the South East. The adult department of psychiatry in Waterford University Hospital is clearly not fit for purpose and there are no inpatient facilities for children anywhere in the South East. The absence of such beds leads to children being admitted to adult units and worse, waiting for hours in very unsuitable A&E Departments.

“Despite the lack of facilities in the South East, the capital plan announced today makes no provision for new or additional mental health facilities in the South East. There is no doubt in my mind that the lack of appropriate mental health facilities in the south East is contributing to the difficulties in attracting qualified mental health staff. Meanwhile Wexford town is now into its fourteenth month without a child psychiatrist,” added Deputy Browne.

“I am also calling on the Government to set out that there is funding in place for the projects announced today and to provide clear timelines for the delivery of these projects. One question that will never be answered is how many new facilities will not be built as a result of the cost overruns in the new Children’s hospital,” concluded Deputy Browne.