€5.5m for Lakeview Unit in Naas Hospital

A €5.5m investment has been confirmed for psychiatric services provided at the Lakeview Unit in Naas Hospital.

But it will take up to three years  for the work to be completed.

Politicians have been applying pressure for the refurbishment project and it’s been claimed that existing facilities are inadequate.

“Mixed units are not conducive to providing best care for patients; for example women suffering with post-natal depression were sharing a ward with people presenting with acute psychiatric conditions or eating disorders,” said Fianna Fail TD Fiona O’Loughlin.

The work includes the opening of 8 additional beds as well as an observation unit to alleviate existing pressures.

It’s also understood that consideration will be given to doubling – to 60 - the number of high support hostel places.