Closure of Laois home 'solely a matter' for HSE

The State agency responsible for monitoring the facilities, like the threatened Erkina House in Rathdowney, says its future is in the hands of the HSE.

However, the Mental Health Commission (MHC) says a new law will give it the power to regulate the home if it remains open.  

With fears growing that the Erkina House is facing the axe, the MHC outlined its position on the residential home run by the HSE to the Leinster Express / Laois Live. 

"The closure of Erkina House is a matter solely for the HSE. For information, the MHC does not regulate community mental health services, such as Erkina House.

"The MHC’s regulatory powers - including annual inspections, monitoring and possible enforcement actions - only extend to approved mental health centres.

"The regulatory remit of the MHC will extend to all community mental health services once the 2025 Mental Health Bill is enacted," it said.

The latest published MHC inspection report on the Rathdowney service dates to 2018 when there were 13 residents -  the home had a capacity for 16 people. It said there are ongoing plans to relocate the hostel to a new build with funding approval.

No major issues were highlighted but it found that residents should have single room accommodation. It said that residents who met informally with the inspector expressed that they felt happy living in Erkina House.

The report added that many complimented the staff on their care and treatment and liked the support offered by the local community.

The HSE decided in 2022 that it wanted to shut the home and relocate most of the residents to Tullamore. This plan was halted by the Minister with responsibility for mental health Mary Butler after local people and residents protested.

A HSE-led consultation process followed. An assessment of what needed to be done to the building came up with upgrade costs of more than €5 million.

Since 2022, the number of people living in the home has dwindled to three, with the families of residents claiming they have been told that it will close.

The Leinster Express / Laois Live asked the HSE for comment.

"The HSE Mental Health Service for Laois/Offaly is continuing to engage on the future plans concerning Erkina House with residents, families and staff. Once these plans are finalised and agreed, this will be communicated to all relevant stakeholders," it said.

READ ALSO: Fears grow that HSE is closing Erkina House

The Department of Health declined to comment, nor did Minister Butler, who retains responsibility for mental health services. There have also been no comments from Laois Government TDs Seán Fleming and Willie Aird.

The HSE and the Department of Health must state publicly their intentions for Erkina House rather than use the absence of an official decision on its future as a means to render the facility unsustainable, according to Laois TD Brian Stanley.

The independent TD made the call while also insisting that the home can serve a purpose and is needed. However, he is concerned that the HSE is creating a scenario where there could be no other choice but to shut it down when just one resident is left in the home.