THERE is concern that the amount of in-patient detox beds available for drug/alcohol addicts in Donegal is inadequate.
As of December 2020, there were 10 residential beds available at the White Oaks rehabilitation centre.
Councillor Gerry McMonagle, whose query on the matter was dealt with at a Regional Health Forum West meeting this week, says this is ‘not sufficient’.
“I doubt if ten is able to reach the demand that is here,” he said,
“There is access to beds up and down the country, but in this day and age we in Donegal are only depending on White Oaks with ten beds.
“That is not sufficient and we need more work done.”
John Hayes, the Chief Officer in CHO1, told Cllr McMonagle that there were no immediate plans for additional in-patient beds.
Mr Hayes said: “The majority of detoxifications from alcohol/drugs are completed in the community with the support of General Practitioners and HSE Mental Health Addiction Counsellors.
“For service users with mental health issues including suicidal, where in-patient admission to the Mental Health Admissions Unit is indicated access to the Department of Psychiatry, Letterkenny University Hospital is provided.”
Mr Hayes acknowledged that there was a need to increase community services.
Cllr McMonagle said: “We need more facilities and supports available. We are traveling out of Donegal again to get necessary treatment.”
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