A DAMNING report has identified seven high-risk areas of non-compliance in mental health care at Bantry General Hospital, including a lack of privacy due to cramped conditions.

The Mental Health Commission found the unit at Bantry General Hospital had an overall 75% compliance with rules, regulations and codes of practice.

The report, just published and compiled by the independent body after inspection visits in October 2025, said the biggest cause for concern were the premises at the Centre for Mental Health Care and Recovery.

At the time of the inspection, there were 17 registered beds at the centre, and ten residents in inpatient care with one in care for more than six months.

In 2023, the centre reopened after substantial renovation and refurbishment, but bedroom areas remained cramped, inspectors noted.

‘Despite efforts by the service to maintain low levels of bed occupancy to mitigate against environmental impacts, this was not always possible,’ the report said. ‘This led to concerns about resident privacy, dignity and safety.’

The report also noted: ‘The inspection team received positive feedback from residents in respect of the care provided. Residents spoke about the kindness of staff and the beneficial nature of the therapeutic services.’

The inspectors also pointed to a lack of privacy in three of the dormitory rooms at the centre, with the limited space in each room impacting people’s privacy and dignity.

Inspectors found limited space around beds, especially when privacy curtains were closed, making it more difficult for patients to change their clothing or receive care and treatment. In addition, not all rooms had wardrobes or bedside lockers.

Other high-risk non-compliances related to staffing and the ordering, prescribing, storing and administration of medicines.

‘The registered proprietor did not ensure that the numbers of nursing staff were appropriate to the assessed needs of residents, the size and layout of the approved centre,’ the report said.

In the case of one resident prescribed high-dose antipsychotic medication, no regular review of their medication was carried out by a pharmacist because no pharmacy resource was available.

Three of the high-risk issues identified in the report were recurring and included individual care plans and the code of practice on the use of physical restraint.

‘In two episodes of physical restraint, the person’s individual care plan was not updated to reflect the outcome of the debrief, and in particular, the person’s preferences in relation to restrictive interventions going forward,’ said the report.

The centre received another high-risk rating for the admission, transfer and discharge of patients.

In one case, the admission assessment did not include the presenting problem, medical history, past psychiatric history, past medications, family history, a risk assessment, social and housing circumstances, or any other relevant information. And outstanding health or social issues or the names and contact details of key people for follow up were missing from one discharge summary, said the report.

According to the Mental Health Commission, the centre did not meet the regulations for risk management procedures, which the inspectors classified as a moderate risk.

Three residents spoke with the inspection team and noted that the quality and choice of food was very good.

They were happy with the level of contact with the multi-disciplinary team and their care plans.

Two residents reported that the TV options were limited, and there was a lack of other types of entertainment because there was no Wi-Fi on the unit.

The inspectors also received a report from the Peer Advocacy in Mental Health representative.

It mentioned that one resident said the days could be quite long without much activity.

Another noted that the toilet facilities should be separate for men and women.

The Mental Health Commission assessed the Bantry mental health facility alongside 13 others across the county.

The Bantry centre’s compliance rating in 2024 was 81%, 88% in 2023 and 78% in 2022.